In recent weeks, drivers across the country have been targeted by a new wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to be from parking companies or local councils. These fraudulent messages typically state that the recipient has an outstanding parking charge and must pay immediately to avoid further penalties. They are also claiming to have obtained your details from the DVLA. The DVLA do not provide private parking companies with mobile numbers or email addresses.
As a trusted car park management provider, we want to ensure our customers and the public are informed and protected. Here’s what you need to know:
🔍 What Does the Scam Look Like?
These scam messages often:
Claim you owe a small fee (e.g., £1.99–£5.99) for a missed or unpaid parking session.
Include official-sounding language, referencing DVLA, local authorities, or well-known parking operators.
Provide a link to a fake website designed to look legitimate.
Here’s an example of a typical scam message:
“You have an unpaid parking charge. Please pay £2.50 now to avoid a £70 fine. Visit [fake-website.com]”
⚠️ What’s the Danger?
Clicking these links can lead to:
Phishing websites that steal your personal and payment information.
Malware downloads that compromise your phone or data.
Further scams, once your details are harvested and sold on.
✅ How to Stay Safe
Don’t click on links in unexpected texts about parking fines.
Check the sender – legitimate companies don’t usually send unsolicited payment links via SMS.
Visit the official website of your car park provider directly, rather than using links in messages.
Contact us if you’re unsure about a charge related to a car park we manage – we’re here to help.
🛡 How We Handle Parking Charges
We take your safety seriously. If we ever need to contact you about a parking issue:
You’ll receive official correspondence by post. If you submit an appeal, this may be responded to by email, the email address will be either support@countrywideparking.co.uk or no-reply@countrywideparking.co.uk.
We will never request payment via a link sent by text. Our secure payment page is www.payapcn.co.uk.
📞 Need Support?
If you’ve received a suspicious message or want to confirm the legitimacy of a charge, please reach out to our support team via our official website or contact page.
Stay vigilant and stay informed.
