Please take a few moments to read the important information below:
FRAUD ALERT
People in Avon and Somerset have reported receiving fraudulent text messages,
telling them to pay a fictitious parking fine.
This is an example of ‘phishing’ when cyber criminals use fake messages to lure
people to click on links within a scam email or text message or give away
sensitive information.
In this case, recipients are encouraged to click on a link to pay, which takes
them to a website that looks convincingly like an official government page. They
are then asked for their email address, vehicle registration and card details to
make a payment, usually £20.
If you receive a text message like this, DON’T click on the link, as fraudsters can
steal your personal and financial data to commit identity fraud and take your
money. Even clicking the link and not entering any information could result in
malware and computer viruses being downloaded onto your device.
Report by forwarding the phishing text to 7726. This enables your provider to
investigate the origin of the text and act, if found to be malicious.
If you have been coerced into giving away money or information to dishonest
people, report this to your bank immediately (call 159 to be automatically
connected to their fraud service) and to police via Action Fraud on 0300 123
2040.
By reporting you could protect many more people from being affected.
Thanks to everyone who has reported and brought this scam to our attention.
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