Beware of fake DVSA parking penalty scam texts
September 25, 2024 by Iain Reid
Car changing is a big deal
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued an urgent warning about a scam that鈥檚 targeting drivers through fake text messages.
- Scammers are sending fake DVSA parking penalty text messages
- Fraudsters are trying to trick recipients into paying false fine
- Do not click any links or provide personal information if you receive a suspicious message
- Report scam texts to the National Cyber Security Centre by forwarding the message to 7726
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued an urgent warning about a scam that鈥檚 targeting drivers through fake text messages.
These messages claim you鈥檝e got an outstanding parking fine and threaten some pretty harsh penalties if you don鈥檛 pay up.
The scam text typically says that if you don鈥檛 pay the so-called 鈥減arking penalty鈥 on time, you could face a driving ban, be hit with higher fines, or even be dragged into court. One such message reads:
鈥淒vsa 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.鈥
It鈥檚 a scam because the DVSA doesn鈥檛 deal with parking fines. Look closely at the wording of the text message and you will see basic spelling mistakes 鈥 another clue that this isn鈥檛 from the source it鈥檚 claiming to be. This is another variation being sent to unsuspecting phone users.
Don鈥檛 click on any links or provide any personal information. Instead, follow these steps:
What to Do If You Receive a Scam Text
Ignore and report: If you get one of these fake texts, don鈥檛 panic. Forward it to 7726 to report the scam to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). No need to contact the DVSA directly 鈥 it isn鈥檛 involved in this.
What to Do If You鈥檝e Already Responded
Take action now: If you鈥檝e already shared personal information with a scammer, don鈥檛 wait. Head to the to find out what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Lost money or been hacked?
If the scam has cost you money or you think your device has been compromised, report it to Action Fraud via their website () or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you鈥檙e in Scotland, contact Police Scotland on 101.
Remember, DVSA will never send you a text about parking penalties.
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