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Motor vehicle drivers

Scammers Targeting Motorists in Watford with Fake PCN Texts and Fraudulent Card Reader Stickers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scammers are wreaking havoc in Watford, deceiving motorists with fake penalty charge notice (PCN) texts and placing fraudulent card reader stickers on pay and display machines, warns the Watford Borough Council. The council has issued a stark warning, advising residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent falling prey to these scams. According to the council, genuine reminders for outstanding PCNs are never sent via text, and residents should not click on any links in such messages.

Key Takeaways:

  • Scammers are targeting motorists in Watford with fake PCN texts, claiming to remind them to pay outstanding fines that they never received.
  • The Watford Borough Council warns residents not to click on any links in the fake PCN text messages, as they are scams.
  • The council has received reports of fraudulent card reader stickers being placed on pay and display machines in the town.
  • Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the council's parking service via email at parking@watford.gov.uk.
  • Examples of the scam should be reported to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk/.
  • The council has shared pictures of the stickers, which resemble legitimate card readers, and a chip capable of connecting to a phone that could be covered by the stickers.

Statistics:

  • The Watford Borough Council has received reports of multiple residents receiving fake PCN text messages.
  • The council has shared pictures of three fraudulent card reader stickers and a chip that could be used to create them.
  • The council advises residents to remain vigilant when using pay and display machines and to report any suspicious activity.
  • The Action Fraud website, where residents can report examples of the scam, is: www.actionfraud.police.uk/.

Sources:

  • "Woman, 36, who set fire to flat with man, 32, found guilty of arson" in the Watford Observer (exact source not provided)
  • "Property firm buys Hemel warehouse for £1.82m - and hints at expansion" in the Watford Observer (exact source not provided)
  • "Former Watford police station becomes 1980s Manchester as film crew hits town" in the Watford Observer (exact source not provided)
  • Watford Borough Council warning message, "Fraudulent card reader stickers" (citing www.actionfraud.police.uk./ as the source for reporting examples of the scam)

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