Rutland County Council Warns Motorists of Text Scam Regarding Parking Charges

Rutland County Council Warns Motorists of Text Scam Regarding Parking Charges

Rutland County Council is urging motorists to be vigilant against a scam involving text messages claiming unpaid parking charges.

The council has confirmed they are "aware of what appears to be scam text messages circulating in regards to parking charges." They have further clarified that Rutland County Council does not use text messages to contact people regarding parking charges.

How to Stay Safe:

Ignore the text message: Do not respond or click on any links included in the message. Responding or clicking links can confirm your phone number to scammers and potentially lead to further harassment or attempts to steal your personal information.

Report the scam: Rutland County Council does not provide details on reporting scams directly, so here are two recommended options:

Action Fraud: Report the scam online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Forward the message: In the UK, you can also forward scam text messages to the number 7726 to report them to your network provider.

How to Check for Legitimate Parking Charges:

If you are unsure about a parking charge, do not rely on the information in the text message. Instead, follow these steps:

Check your vehicle: Look for a physical parking ticket on your car. This will contain all the relevant information, including the charge amount, due date, and instructions for payment or appeal.

Contact Rutland County Council directly: You can find information about parking charges and fines on the Rutland County Council website or by contacting them directly. Their contact details can be found on their website: www.rutland.gov.uk/roads-transport-parking/parking/penalty-charge-notices

Stay Informed:

Rutland County Council encourages motorists to stay informed about current scams and to be cautious of any unsolicited communication regarding parking charges. They recommend checking the official council website or contacting them directly for any parking-related inquiries.

By following these tips, motorists in Rutland can avoid falling victim to this scam and ensure they are dealing with legitimate parking charges.