Beware of a new scam that is sending text messages about fake DVSA parking penalty charges that are outstanding and unless you pay immediately, you will face the relevant consequences.

However, it is important to note that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) does not issue or deal with parking fines. And you will never be sent a text with a link to pay immediately.

If you click on the link from the fake text it takes you to a page that looks identical to government webpages. However, if you look at the URL (the website address) it is not an official government web address and this should set off alarm bells that it is a fake website.

What does the text message say?

The text messages warn people that they have a ‘parking penalty charge’, and that if they do not pay on time, they might:

  • be banned from driving
  • have to pay more
  • be taken to court

The text message reads “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 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:

  • 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.

 

What do I do if I receive these messages?

You can report scam text messages to the National Cyber Security Centre, but you do not need to contact DVSA if you have received the text message and have not been scammed.

What do I do if I have 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.

However, if you have lost money or have been hacked as a result of responding to a suspicious text message, then report it:

  • at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040 (in England, Wales or Northern Ireland)
  • to Police Scotland by calling 101 (in Scotland)

But remember: you will never be sent a text with a link to pay immediately by any Government agency. So rather report text messages demanding payment to the National Cyber Security Centre.