Worthing Residents Warned Over Fake Parking Ticket Text Scam

Adur and Worthing Councils have issued a warning to residents after reports of fraudulent text messages about fake parking tickets. The councils confirmed the texts are not from their teams and advised people not to engage with them.

The alert, posted on social media, stated that some residents had received text messages from unknown numbers claiming they owed a parking fine. The councils clarified that any genuine Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) would always be issued as a physical notice on the vehicle first, followed by a postal notice if unpaid, bearing the council’s official name and contact details.

Officials stressed that the parking team does not contact residents by text and only makes phone calls in response to voicemails. Residents who receive suspicious messages are urged to report them to Action Fraud and share the warning with others to prevent further incidents.