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Stay safe from parking scams – Learn how to identify scam texts and emails.

Scam Awareness & Protection

Learn how to identify genuine communications from Countrywide Parking Management and protect yourself against fraudulent parking charges.

How to identify genuine communications

Countrywide Parking Management operates under strict industry guidelines set by the International Parking Community (IPC). Here's what genuine communications from us look like.

Genuine Countrywide Parking communications will normally:

  • Include your Vehicle Registration Number (VRM).
  • Include your Parking Charge Notice (PCN) number, where applicable.
  • Relate to a Parking Charge Notice already issued to your vehicle.
  • Direct you only to our official websites.
  • We will never send you payment links via text.

What we never do

We will never:

  • Send unsolicited text messages asking you to make an immediate payment through an unknown website.
  • Include payment links within SMS text messages.
  • Ask you to make payment using cryptocurrency, gift cards or bank transfer.
  • Telephone you requesting your debit or credit card details.
  • Ask for your online banking password or security information.
  • Ask you to install software or grant remote access to your computer or mobile device.

Our official websites

Only use these official Countrywide Parking Management websites:

www.countrywideparking.co.uk
www.payapcn.co.uk
chat.countrywideparking.co.uk

If you are directed to any other website, please proceed with caution and verify that it is genuine before providing any personal or payment information.

Genuine vs suspicious communications

Use this quick reference to identify legitimate communications from fraudulent ones.

Includes your VRM
No VRM shown
Includes your PCN number
Generic "You have an unpaid parking fine"
Links only to official CPM websites
Links to unknown domains
Refers to an existing case
Unexpected message out of the blue
Never asks for bank passwords
Requests sensitive banking information

When we may contact you by email

We may contact you by email where:

  • You have submitted an appeal.
  • You have contacted our support team.
  • You have requested a payment plan.
  • You have specifically asked us to communicate by email.

We do not obtain motorists' email addresses from the DVLA.

When we may contact you by SMS

We may send SMS messages to update you regarding:

  • The outcome of an appeal.
  • Your payment plan.
  • Important updates relating to an existing Parking Charge Notice.

Our genuine text messages will include:

  • Vehicle Registration Number (VRM)
  • Parking Charge Notice (PCN) number

We do not include payment links within SMS messages.

How we obtain keeper details

Where appropriate, the registered keeper's postal address is obtained securely from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in accordance with the applicable legislation and industry requirements.

We do not obtain email addresses or mobile telephone numbers from the DVLA.

Not sure whether a message is genuine?

Do not click any links.

Visit www.countrywideparking.co.uk directly using your web browser.

Alternatively, contact us through Live Chat and we will be happy to verify whether the communication is genuine.

Start Live Chat

Important Advice

If you receive an unexpected email or text message about a Parking Charge Notice and do not recognise the vehicle registration or Parking Charge Notice number quoted, or you have never provided your email address or mobile number to Countrywide Parking Management in connection with that Parking Charge Notice, you should treat the message with caution and contact us through our official website before taking any action.