DVSA Warns of Fake Parking Penalty Scams

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is alerting all private and motor trade drivers to a new scam involving fake text messages and QR codes about bogus parking penalty charges.

These messages claim that recipients have incurred a “parking penalty charge” and threaten consequences if the payment is not made promptly. Potential penalties mentioned include driving bans, fines or legal action.

Similarly, motorists who use mobile phones for parking payments are urged to stay vigilant, as scammers are now using counterfeit QR codes to defraud new or used car drivers.

According to a report from Sky News, these fake QR codes have been found on parking machines across the UK, directing users to fraudulent websites that steal their payment details.

QR codes, commonly used to access websites or payment portals, can be scanned by smartphones. However, scammers are taking advantage of this technology by placing fake QR codes on parking machines, tricking unsuspecting drivers into submitting payments through fraudulent sites.

Some local councils are addressing the issue head-on. Pembrokeshire County Council, for example, has confirmed it does not use QR codes for parking payments at any of its car parks. They advise drivers to immediately report any suspicious use of QR codes in their car parks.

Conwy County Borough Council in Wales has also issued a warning after similar QR code scams were reported in their area. The scam has been spotted on parking machines at The Parade in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Promenade.

The council warns this scam could unknowingly cause drivers to miss official parking payments. Drivers who suspect they’ve been scammed should contact their bank immediately. There is no need to contact your local insurance broker, and it is unlikely you will be covered for parking scams under your private or motor trade insurance policy.

The text messages read:

“Dvsa notice for you: You have a parking penalty charge due on 2024/9/30. If you do not pay your fine on time, your car may be banned from driving, you might have 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 parking penalty charge. Thank you again for your cooperation. Dvsa.”

The initial text message has been followed up with scam reminders:

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.”

Another scam reminder says:

“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.”

Another scam message says:

“EWHC notice for you – We are preparing to prosecute you for the materials handed over by DVSA. Because you have not pay your parking penalty charge for a long time. Today is the last day for payment. If you do not pay within today, we will prosecute you. Please read the information and enter your license plate to check your parking ticket.”

DVSA does not issue or deal with parking fines.

Yori Evans, made payment using a QR code in a car park in Haverfordwest, he said: “I scanned the QR code and then put my details in and paid, but it didn’t work correctly so I downloaded the app and paid there.

“The following morning £60 was taken out of my account…I cancelled my card and the day after they tried to take £57.99 out of my account but luckily the card was cancelled. “My advice would be not to trust anything unless you know it’s official like the app and that everyone educates themselves on how to recognise scams like this.”

What to do if you receive a message

You can report scam text messages to the National Cyber Security Centre. You do not need to contact DVSA if you received the text message or responded to a scam text message.

If you’ve been tricked into sharing personal information with a scammer, you can take immediate steps to protect yourself. If you’ve lost money or have been hacked responding to a suspicious text message, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 (in England, Wales or Northern Ireland) or to Police Scotland by calling 101 (in Scotland).

Stay alert, and if you come across any suspicious parking payment methods, report them to your local council.