Citizens Advice Telford & the Wrekin

There’s a new scam doing the rounds locally, and a few people have already flagged it. Residents are getting text messages claiming they owe a Parking Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), along with a link to “pay now”. It looks official at first glance, but it’s completely fake.

Telford & Wrekin Council have confirmed that they never send PCN payment requests by text message. Genuine fines are either issued on the spot by enforcement officers or sent through the post, not by text. [newsroom.t...ord.gov.uk]

What the texts say

The messages usually warn that you’ve got an unpaid fine and need to sort it immediately, otherwise you could face extra charges or even court action. It’s all designed to panic you into clicking the link and entering bank details.
These texts are being sent out in bulk, and they’re not personalised — scammers don’t know anything about your car, where you parked, or whether you’ve had a real fine. [shropshirestar.com], [bbc.co.uk]

How to stay safe

If you get one of these messages:

• Don’t click the link
• Don’t reply
• Delete the message
• Forward it for free to 7726 to help block the sender [shropshirestar.com]

If you’ve already clicked the link or entered details, contact your bank straight away and then report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. [newsroom.t...ord.gov.uk]

If in doubt

Don’t trust any message that comes out of the blue asking for money. If something feels off, it probably is. And if you ever want a second pair of eyes, we’re always here to help check things before you act.