Ealing Council has issued an alert after a rise in reports of scam text messages claiming recipients owe a parking fine.

The messages typically ask people to pay a £20 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and include a payment link designed to appear official. However, the council has confirmed these texts are fraudulent.

Ealing Council has stressed that it never issues parking fines by text message. Any message claiming otherwise should be treated as suspicious. Residents are advised to report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 or by blocking the sender.

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The council has also shared guidance to help residents identify genuine parking fines:

• Ealing Council does not contact motorists about PCNs by text
• Legitimate PCNs issued by the council begin with “AO” or “EA”
• Motorists can verify real PCNs by checking directly on the council’s official parking payment webpage

Councillor Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action, said people are often more distracted during the festive period, making them easier targets for scams. He urged residents to remain cautious, especially when receiving messages from unfamiliar numbers, and reminded them that Ealing Council does not send parking fine notifications by text.

More information about parking tickets and fines can be found on Ealing Council’s official website.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspected scam messages.