Overview
- Durham County Council says automated messages about unpaid Penalty Charge Notices are circulating to drivers across the county.
- Westmorland and Furness Council reports similar texts in South Cumbria that link to a page asking for a vehicle registration and payment details.
- Both authorities urge recipients to ignore the messages, avoid clicking links, and withhold personal or financial information.
- Victims who have already paid are advised to contact their bank immediately and call the Report Fraud national helpline on 0300 123 2040, which has replaced Action Fraud.
- Durham officials warn the scam messages use threats such as licence suspension and credit damage, while real notices are placed on windscreens or sent by post.