PCN text scams: All you need to know

Have you received a text saying you’ve got an unpaid Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)? Scam text messages are on the rise, and some are pretending to be from parking authorities like Transport for London (TfL), the UK Government, local councils, or even private companies.

These fake messages might look official, but they’re designed to trick you into clicking unsafe links or giving away your personal information.

We’re always looking out for our driver community and to help you avoid falling victim to fake PCN text messages, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to spot the signs of a scam and identify genuine messages.

• What’s a PCN text scam?
• How do I spot a scam message?
• What should I do if I receive a PCN scam text?
• What does a real Otto Car PCN text look like?

What’s a PCN text scam?

A PCN is a genuine thing that you’ve probably seen before. At Otto Car, we do send text messages to our drivers with clear instructions on how to either pay or appeal a PCN.

However, scammers are now sending similar messages to trick people about their PCNs.

Here’s how the scam works:

• You’ll get an unexpected text message claiming you’ve received a PCN, missed PCN payments, or have outstanding parking penalty charge notices.
• The message could include fake QR codes or links to ‘pay’ or ‘view details’.
• These links lead to fake websites that ask for your payment information or bank details.

While some suspicious text messages are easy to spot as a scam, others can look very convincing. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to double-check before clicking any links or entering your information.

How do I spot a scam message?

Look out for these signs in fraudulent text messages:

• It’s unexpected and tries to rush you by threatening with further legal action.
• It includes suspicious links that you don’t recognise.
• It contains spelling mistakes or strange formatting.
• It’ll usually be from unknown telephone numbers or include multiple people in one message.

Examples of PCN text scam messages:

This shows the scammers are trying to create a sense of urgency by using threats of enforcement, fees and suspension.

These text messages may appear more formal and use language that mimics official government communications. However, you’ll notice that Example 2 asks for your vehicle registration number and tries to make it sound reassuring by stating it’s free to enter – this is a red flag. A genuine message would already include your vehicle details and would never ask you to submit them.

Both examples also threaten legal action, which is not typical for an initial PCN notice. A legitimate first-time notification would simply inform you of the fine and provide clear options to pay or appeal, without intimidation tactics.

These messages are designed to panic you into acting fast. But don’t worry – if you pause and check first, you can quickly spot if it’s real or not.

What should I do if I receive a PCN scam text?

• Do not click any links in the message unless you’re 100% sure it’s from a trusted source.
• Do not reply to the number.
• Report it by forwarding the message to 7726 (free scam text reporting).
• Check official sources like the TfL or your local authority’s website if you think the PCN might be real.
• Check in with us at Otto Car if you’re unsure if it’s a PCN from us and we’ll verify this for you.

What does a real Otto Car PCN text look like?

If you’re driving with Otto Car, we’ll notify you by text when a PCN has been issued to your vehicle. The text message will include a link which gives you the option to pay the fine if you choose not to appeal. To help you confirm that it’s genuine, we always include two key pieces of information:

• Your vehicle’s reg number
• An official PCN number

We’ll also send you an email with the same information, so you can be confident the message is genuinely from Otto Car.

Still unsure if the text is real? Take a screenshot and email it to fines@ottocar.co.uk. Our team will verify it against our system and let you know if it’s legitimate. Please do this as soon as possible to avoid any delays in the payment process, in case the PCN is valid.

Scammers are constantly coming up with new tricks, but by staying alert, you can protect yourself and others. Share this article with fellow drivers and friends – the more people know, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.

Join our driver community

At Otto Car, we’re here to support our driver community every step of the way. We offer more than just a car; we provide the support, guidance, and community you need to succeed.

Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plan that fits your needs. With our all-inclusive plans, you know that the weekly costs are clear and there won’t be surprises.

Visit one of our hubs or call 020 8740 7444. The friendly Otto Team is here to help.

If you haven’t already, sign up to our newsletter to join a growing community of thousands of drivers. Get exclusive offers, industry news, EV tips, and more – all delivered straight to your inbox.