Published Thursday 21 August 2025 at 10:54
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is issuing a fresh warning to residents after receiving increasing reports of a parking scam text message circulating locally.
Fraudsters are sending messages falsely claiming that the recipient has received a Penalty Charge Notice and urging immediate payment via a link. The link takes victims to a highly convincing spoof website which looks official but is designed to steal personal and payment details.
The Council is reminding residents that:
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- Penalty Charge Notices are never issued by text message.
- Official fines are always sent in writing.
- The Council does not have access to mobile numbers for this purpose.
Advice to residents:
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- Do not click on links in unexpected or suspicious messages.
- Do not share personal or bank details.
- Delete the text immediately.
- If you have clicked a link or made a payment, contact your bank straight away.
- Report scams to Action Fraud.
Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Communities, said: “Our customer service team have reported a recent increase in the numbers of residents contacting about these fraudulent text message.
“I would hate anyone to fall victim to this type of despicable crime. I am urging residents to be extra cautious and not to fall victim to these convincing scam messages. Please remember – if you do receive a parking fine, it will always come in writing, never by text.”
The advice is, if you receive an unexpected text message, don’t be tempted to click on any links or follow instructions to log into any accounts.
Links can contain malware that could infect your device and lead to scammers doing further damage.
If you have accidentally clicked a link or made a payment, please contact your bank directly.
If you have concerns you can also report incidents to Action Fraud who can also provide advice: Action Fraud
Please remain vigilant and help spread the word to protect your loved ones, especially vulnerable members of the community.