Drivers have been told to be on the look out for a scam
An urgent warning has been issued to drivers in one part of Merseyside. Sefton Council has issued the warning to drivers across the borough after being made aware of a new text message based scam.
The council said motorists are being targeted by text messages requesting payments for unpaid parking fines and even linking to a ‘copycat’ website styled on Sefton Council’s secure web portal. According to a statement issued by Sefton Council, local residents are receiving messages directly to their smartphones, fraudulently requesting online payments to settle parking notices.
The text messages include an URL to a webpage where drivers are asked to submit their financial information and confirm payment. This money and key personal information is then believed to be taken by the fraudsters, leaving victims none the wiser.
READ MORE: Council set for huge £5.5m overspend as cost of social care soarsREAD MORE: ‘Extraordinary’ meeting set to look at impact of unimaginable tragedy
As a way of raising awareness and mitigating against any further harm, the local authority have been quick to publish advice and guidance around this particular scam. The statement said: “We have been advised of text messages being sent requesting payment for unpaid parking notices that includes a link to copycat websites.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
“Sefton Council does not use text messaging to recover unpaid parking charges. Please check carefully before paying a parking charge and if you’re unsure please email us to check at Parkingcc@sefton.gov.uk”.