If you’ve been hit by a text message about a parking fine, before you panic and pay, take a closer look…
A scam text claiming to be from parking company ParkingEye is circulating in Jersey, attempting to trick Islanders into handing over their personal and financial details.
The message claims an “outstanding parking fee” has been identified against the recipient’s vehicle before urging them to click a link, enter their registration number and “promptly” settle the charge.
However, the Department for Infrastructure and Environment has stressed that the messages are fraudulent and reminded Islanders that the Government of Jersey does not issue parking fines by text message or any other digital channel.
Jersey’s Department for Infrastructure and Environment department has urged Islanders not to press the link, but instead to report the message as a scam and then delete it from their device.
Instead, anyone who receives the message is urged to report it as spam and delete it without clicking the link.
The Jersey Consumer Council – one of the bodies forming part of the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum – explained that the scam relies on creating a sense of urgency among victims.
They said the aim is to make “people worry that they could face further charges or penalties if they do not act quickly”.
“However, the links are fraudulent and are intended to steal personal or financial information,” the Council said.
Can you spot the signs?
According to the Consumer Council, the warning signs of a scam include: pressure to act immediately, requesting payment, pasting links to unfamiliar websites, asking for personal or financial information, and using generic wording rather than using your name.
