Monday 18th May 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
A widespread phishing and smishing scam is circulating across the UK, falsely claiming that recipients owe money for an unpaid parking ticket or Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). One of the email addresses linked to the scam is shamedrus39@icloud.com, though fraudsters frequently use random accounts or spoofed mobile numbers to send the messages.
Victims are urged to click a link to “pay immediately”, but the website they are directed to is a fake copycat page designed to steal personal and banking information.
Cyber‑security experts say the scam is becoming increasingly common, with criminals relying on fear and urgency to pressure people into paying.
Red Flags to Look Out For
Fake Sender: Councils, the DVSA and private parking firms never use iCloud or generic email addresses to issue fines.
Missing Details: Scam messages often lack a genuine PCN reference number, the issuing council’s name, or your vehicle registration.
Threatening Language: Fraudsters may claim your credit score will drop, your licence will be suspended, or court fees will be added.
Phishing Links: The link leads to a fraudulent government‑style website created to harvest sensitive information.
How Genuine Parking Fines Are Issued
Council PCNs must be placed on your windscreen, handed to you, or sent by post using DVLA details.
Private Parking Charge Notices are also issued on the windscreen or posted to the registered keeper.
You will never be notified of an official parking fine solely by email, text message or WhatsApp.
What To Do If You Receive One
Do not click any links or reply.
Delete the message immediately.
Report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726, the UK’s free spam-reporting service.
Report scam emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you’re unsure whether a fine is genuine, check directly via your local council’s official website or the GOV.UK PCN Payment Service.