Drivers in Coventry issued urgent warning over 'parking fine scam'

Coventry City Council issued a warning about the text-based scam saying 'this is not us'
-Credit: (Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire)


Drivers have been warned of a new text-based scam circulating across Coventry. Hundreds have reported receiving messages on their smartphones fraudulently requesting online payments to settle PCNs.

People are being targeted by text messages requesting payments for unpaid parking fines and linking to a fraudulent website, Coventry City Council said. Messages claim the recipient has incurred a parking fine telling them to follow a 'qrco.de' link for more information, according to Which?

Recipients will then be taken to a 'copycat' version of the GOV.UK website and asked to enter their vehicle registration number, Which? said. It then explains that the vehicle has been issued a fine and names a random car park in Coventry.

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Experts believe the fraudsters are using the IP address of the users' devices to find a nearby car park to 'make the scam more convincing.' Recipients are then asked to input their personal and financial information to pay the fine, which is usually £25.

It includes a link hosted by 'qrco.de'
It includes a link hosted by 'qrco.de' -Credit:Coventry City Council

Coventry City Council confirmed 'this is not us' in a statement issued yesterday (September 12). Residents have been urged to report any suspicious text messages to Action Fraud or the National Cyber Security Centre.

In a statement issued yesterday (September 12), Coventry City Council said: “We have been made aware that this text message about a parking PCN is circulating. Forward suspicious text messages to the National Cyber Security Centre on 7726.”

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