The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has issued a warning over a text message scam. The DVSA said scammers are sending text messages about fake parking penalty charges.
In the notice, the government agency said the text message warns people they may be banned from driving or be taken to court if they do not pay the fake penalty charge. The DVSA said it does not issue or deal with parking fines.
Instead of contacting them, the DVSA is urging people to report scam text messages to the National Cyber Security Centre. An example of the kind of text message that is being sent is also given. It reads: “Dvsa notice for you: You have a parking penalty charge due on 2024/9/30.
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“If you do not pay your fine on time, Your car may be banned from driving, you might haeve to pay more, or you could be taken to court.
“Please enter your license plate in the link after reading the information, Check and pay parcking penatly charge. Thank you again for your copperation. Dvsa.”
The initial text message has been followed up with scam reminders. This reads: “DVSA Fixed Penalty Office: Today is the last day to pay your ticket due to your long term delinquency, if you do not pay your ticket on time you may be required to pay more in the future and we reserve the right to prosecute you.
“Please be patient and open the link below to process your ticket. Thank you again for your co-operation.”
The government agency said that another scam reminder read: “DVSA Fixed Penalty Office last notification :You have not paid your ticket within the stipulated time.
“Today is the last time to notify you to pay. We will ban your car from driving on the road starting tomorrow and transfer your parking ticket to the court. Please wait until you receive the information. Process your ticket as soon as possible in the link.”
People who have lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a text message are urged to report it to Action Fraud here.