Residents are being warned to ignore a parking ticket scam that links to a replica of the payment page of Tameside Council’s (TMBC) website.
Known as ‘phishing’, the fraudulent site aims to trick people into paying non-existent fines by using the same layout as TMBC’s legitimate page.
Users are sent to the site via a text or email claiming to be a parking fine from the council.
TMBC, however, have said that they do not issues fines using those methods: “We’ve been made aware of a scam currently operating where residents are receiving a text or email informing them they have been issued with a penalty charge notice (PCN) in relation to a parking fine – the message includes a replica of the council payment page.
“Please be aware we do not send texts or emails about outstanding PCNs.
“If you want to check a communication is from the council, please contact our call centre on 0161 342 8355.”
It is unknown how many people have fallen for the scam, but it has been replicated across the country, with councils from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands – as well as the DVSA – issuing warnings.
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