SOMERSET Council is warning residents about a recent rise in fraudulent text messages about unpaid parking fines. 

These scam messages, which have been sent to people across Somerset, falsely inform them they have a parking fine outstanding.

The council is reminding the public that it does not send text messages about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), and that if you have received a message like this, it is not from Somerset Council and should be treated as a potential scam.

For those unsure about the authenticity of a message, the council advises residents to contact them directly to confirm any outstanding parking fines.

Residents are strongly urged not to click on any links or provide personal information in response to the text messages.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for transport and digital at Somerset Council, said: “Everyone needs to be alert to scams and this one that has come to our attention. If you are unsure, contact us to check if you have any unpaid parking fines.

“We would also urge anyone who receives a text like this to report crime by calling the police on 101 or reporting it to the National Cyber Security Centre, by visiting https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams/report-scam-website or by contacting the Action Fraud here https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reportscam”

Anyone who receives a suspicious text should forward it to 7726. This free service allows your mobile provider to investigate and take appropriate action.