Warning: scam text messages claiming to be from Parkingeye We are aware of fraudulent text messages being sent to the public that pretend to come from Parkingeye. They claim you have an unpaid parking charge and pressure you to pay through a link. These messages are not from us. If you have received one, do not click the link, do not reply, and do not enter any details. Here is how to recognise these texts and what to do next. What the scam looks like The wording varies, but the messages follow a pattern. They say your parking fee or session has not been settled, warn of extra charges or “administrative restrictions” if you do not act, and push you to pay quickly through a website link. A recent example reads along these lines: “Our records currently indicate that the parking fee associated with your vehicle has not been successfully settled. To avoid additional charges and any administrative restrictions… please complete payment at your earliest convenience.” The link in these texts is not our website. One version uses a web address made up of random letters ending in an unusual extension. Some versions also tell you to “reply with Y, then close the message and reopen it” to make the link work, or to copy the link into your browser if it will not open. This is a deliberate trick to get around the safety feature on your phone that hides links from unknown senders. A genuine message would never ask you to do this. How to spot a scam parking text It pressures you to pay urgently and threatens extra charges or penalties if you delay. It asks you to reply “Y” or “Yes” to activate a link, or to paste the link into your browser. The web address is not parkingeye.co.uk. Scam links often use random characters and unusual endings. It gives no Parking Charge reference number, no location, and no date. It asks for your vehicle registration or card details through the link. The spelling or branding looks slightly off. What to do if you receive one Do not click the link or reply to the message. Forward the text to 7726 free of charge. This reports it to your mobile network so they can investigate and block the sender. Delete the message. Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101. If you have already clicked the link or entered your details If you entered card details or made a payment, contact your bank straight away and explain what happened. Keep an eye on your statements for anything you do not recognise. If you reused a password on the fake site, change it on any other account where you use it. How to check whether you really owe a parking charge A genuine Parking Charge from us is sent by post, not by text, and includes a reference number, the location, the date, and clear instructions for paying or appealing.
