Hounslow Council Issues Warning About PCN Scam
Bogus text messages threaten prosecution for non-payment
Local authorites never send texts to request payment of fines
September 30, 2024
Hounslow borough residents have been urged to remain vigilant after residents received scam text messages demanding they pay a parking fine. There have been several versions of the scam text reported with varying wording, however they usually include lines such as: “Please pay a parking penalty charge (PCN) issued by a local council,” and “if you do not pay you will be prosecuted.”
The text message directs people to a website, whereby they are prompted to make a payment for the scam parking fine, and provide personal information alongside payment details. If you are issued a penalty charge notice (PCN) by the council, this will only be issued by attaching a notice to your window screen or where it can be sent by post to the registered address linked with the vehicle.
No council will never send a text message requesting payment. If you receive one, you may report it to the National Cyber Security Council.
The incidents have been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre and London Councils, which represents all local authorities in London.
Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Recycling and Transformation, Cllr Shivraj Grewal, said, “These scam texts are preying on unsuspecting motorists and demanding them to pay money for offences they may not have committed. It is also important to point out that if you enter your information on one of these fake online sites, the criminals may then have access to your bank details.
“The message from Hounslow Council is clear, don’t be fooled by these scam artists. Our Parking Enforcement Team regularly patrols the borough’s roads to ensure that vehicles are parked correctly for the safety of all road users.
“They will only issue a paper ticket or write to the vehicle owner. If you receive one of these scam texts, please report it straight way.”
More information about how Hounslow Council issues parking fines can be found on its website.
Philip James Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter
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