Receiving a parking fine can be stressful, but what’s worse is falling victim to a scam. Fraudulent parking tickets are becoming increasingly common, with scammers imitating official notices to trick drivers into paying illegitimate fines. Knowing how to spot a fake parking ticket can save you money and unnecessary stress. Here’s what to look out for and how to handle a suspicious fine.
1. Check the Issuing Authority
Legitimate parking fines in the UK are usually issued by:
- Local councils for public parking violations (e.g., PCN – Penalty Charge Notice)
- Transport for London (TfL) for congestion charges or red route fines
- Private parking companies for fines on private land (e.g., Parking Charge Notice)
Red flag: If the fine doesn’t specify who issued it or if it looks like it’s from a suspicious company, it could be fake.
2. Inspect the Format and Details
Genuine fines will include:
✔️ A reference number
✔️ Date, time, and location of the alleged offence
✔️ Clear payment instructions with official website details
✔️ Your vehicle’s registration number
Red flag: Poor formatting, typos, missing details, or incorrect vehicle information are signs of a scam.
3. Verify the Payment Website
Legitimate parking fines will direct you to an official government or company website to pay.
Red flag: If the notice asks for payment via bank transfer, PayPal, or a suspicious-looking website, do not proceed. Always verify web addresses—official UK council websites end in .gov.uk.
4. Watch for Threatening Language
Real fines have a structured appeal process and will not use aggressive language to pressure you into immediate payment.
Red flag: If the fine threatens “immediate legal action”, “bailiffs arriving within 24 hours”, or demands urgent payment, be cautious.
5. Compare with Previous Fines or Local Council Policies
If you’ve received parking fines before, compare the layout and payment process. If something feels off, contact the official issuer to confirm its legitimacy.
Red flag: Scammers often try to mimic official PCNs but may use outdated templates or different wording.
6. Look for Contact Information
Genuine fines include:
- A physical address
- A contact phone number
- A website linked to an official authority
Red flag: If the fine only has an email address or no contact details, it’s likely a scam.
7. Verify with the DVLA
Legitimate parking fines are issued to the registered vehicle owner via the DVLA’s database. Scammers often place fake fines on random cars.
Red flag: If the fine was left on your windshield but never sent via post, double-check its legitimacy.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam?
Do not pay immediately – take time to verify the details.
Check the issuing authority’s website – use official sources.
Report the scam to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk) or your local council.
If you’ve already paid, contact your bank to dispute the transaction.
Final Thoughts
Scam parking fines are on the rise, but by staying vigilant and checking the details, you can avoid falling victim. Always verify before paying, and if in doubt, seek official guidance.
