Parking scams alert

We are aware of two parking scams.

Hands resting on a table holding a mobile phone.

The most recent is related to QR codes and what is known as 'quishing', whereby you are asked to scan a QR code to pay for parking.

This is a scam. Southend-on-Sea City Council does not use QR codes on any parking machines, parking signs or for any pay by phone apps, aside from on adverts for the Southend Pass, which do include a QR code which links to the Southend Pass homepage on our website.

The second is where people are receiving text messages stating they have a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) and a link to pay.

This is a scam. Southend-on-Sea City Council will never text you about a PCN.

You will only receive a PCN as a physical ticket on your vehicle or a letter to the registered keeper address associated with the vehicle.

Please ignore these texts and do not click the link to make a payment.

If you want to know how to protect yourself from the most current threats from fraud and cybercrime sign up to our monthly fraud alerts enewsletter.

Published: 10th September 2024

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