Is a text claiming I have an unpaid parking fine real?

Phishing texts impersonating parking enforcement authorities have become widespread. They claim an unpaid penalty charge notice is outstanding and provide a short-window link to pay. The link leads to a fake payment page that harvests your card details. Genuine penalty charge notices are issued as physical letters to the registered vehicle keeper's address and are administered through official council or national transport authority portals. If you receive a text about a parking fine, do not click the link. Look up the relevant authority independently and check for any genuine notices in your account or by calling them directly.