Parking scams

Protect yourself from parking scams, including fake payment websites, QR codes, apps, and messages.

Always ensure that you are using the official website or app to pay for parking. 

You should check for:

  • misspellings
  • unprofessional design

If anything doesn’t look right, close the website or app. Double check you have the right payment platform.

Only download parking apps from the Apple App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Never download an app from a link in a text message, email, or suspicious QR code.

If you click a link and you think it could be a scam, you should:

  • restart your device immediately
  • change your passwords for any related accounts (like online banking and emails)
  • contact your bank or card provider’s fraud team

QR codes

We will never use QR codes as a way to pay for parking. QR codes are an insecure system for payment. Scammers have put fake stickers over council owned payment machines before. 

If you see a QR code, don’t scan it. Report it to Action Fraud.

Action Fraud
Telephone: 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm).
Online: You can also report fraud at any time on the Action Fraud website

Fake parking fine messages

We will never send text messages asking for payment.  Non-payment of a PCN does not lead to suspension of your licence. 

If you receive a message about a parking penalty, do not click on any links. Report suspected scam SMS messages to your provider - forward the message to 7726.

Skimming devices

Fraudsters may attach a device to a contactless payment reader on a parking machine. Contactless readers can look like they are part of the machine.

Before you pay, check that there is no extra sticker or item placed on top of the contactless payment button. If something feels suspicious, do not use the machine, report it.

Action Fraud
Telephone: 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
Online: You can also report fraud at any time on the Action Fraud website

Fake parking charge notices 

Parking fines issued by local authorities are called Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). 

Valid PCNs will always have:

  • the prefix “VK” at the start
  • the Westmorland and Furness Council’s logo on the front

They will be left on your windscreen, handed to you in person or will arrive in the post. 

If you are not sure whether a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is genuine, contact us.

Contact the Parking Services team

Civil Enforcement Officers 

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are issued by Civil Enforcement Officers. They are trained to check parked vehicles are in line with the regulations at the time of their patrol. 

Every officer has:

  • a photo ID badge with an officer number – available on request
  • a high-visibility vest with the Council’s logo on
  • a camera and handheld device

If you are unsure about the parking rules, please ask our officers.

If you think you’ve been scammed

You should report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime.

Action Fraud
Telephone: 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
Online: You can also report fraud at any time on the Action Fraud website

Report scam texts to your provider. Forward any suspected scam text messages to 7726 for free.