Hartlepool drivers warned over email scam over claims of unpaid parking fines

Hartlepool drivers have been urged not to fall victim to a parking scam fine claiming they have unpaid penalties.
By Fiona Thompson
Published 25th Sep 2020, 19:42 BST

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The warning has been issued by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team over a scam email which has been targeting people in the town.

It is hoped an appeal flagging up the con will help people from falling victim to the trick, with people warned not to click on any links sent via the email.

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Scammers have been targetting people in Hartlepool, claiming they have unpaid parking fines to pay.Scammers have been targetting people in Hartlepool, claiming they have unpaid parking fines to pay.
Scammers have been targetting people in Hartlepool, claiming they have unpaid parking fines to pay.

The message, which appears to come from HM Courts & Tribunals Service, states there is an outstanding Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and that if it is not paid soon, the debt will increase.

The council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Manager Ian Harrison said “This email is another scam and anyone receiving it should delete it immediately.

"Under no circumstances should they click the link that is contained within the message.

“Anyone who does have unpaid parking tickets will not receive a demand in this way.

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"Although the e-mail carries the official ‘HM Courts’ logo, a close reading of the message will reveal spelling mistakes and that the e-mail has been sent from a non-governmental email address.

“Bogus emails such as these are usually looking to either obtain money or to gain access to the recipient’s computer so that personal data and/or money can be stolen later.

"My advice is to delete any e-mails you receive from an unexpected source or that look, in any way, suspicious.”

The council team shares information and alerts via its own Facebook page, which can be found via https://www.facebook.com/trading.standards.319

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