Drivers are being urged to watch out for RingGo parking scam texts claiming that they have an unpaid parking fee.
The fraudulent messages tell recipients that a parking session is awaiting payment and direct them to a link. The website may look convincing, but it is designed to capture vehicle, personal and banking information.
RingGo has acknowledged a wave of fake messages and says drivers should check parking sessions only through its official app or website.
How to spot a fake parking message
MoneyExpert has identified five common warning signs.
- It pressures you to act quickly: Threats of extra charges, enforcement or court action are intended to stop recipients thinking before they click.
- The web address looks wrong: Watch for spelling changes, extra characters or domains that do not match the provider’s official website.
- It asks for sensitive information: RingGo says it will never request passwords, PINs or payment details by text or email.
- The wording is vague or contains mistakes: Generic messages that do not include a name, registration number or parking location may have been sent to thousands of random numbers.
- The sender cannot be confirmed: Sender names and telephone numbers can be spoofed, so a text labelled “PCN” or “council” is not necessarily genuine.
The scam example shared by Warwickshire County Council uses an unfamiliar “.cloud” address and asks the recipient to enter their vehicle registration on a supposed official website.
What to do if you receive one
Do not follow the link. Open the official parking app or type the provider’s genuine address into your browser to check whether a payment is due.
Suspicious texts can be forwarded free of charge to 7726. Anyone who has already entered banking information should contact their bank immediately. RingGo users who disclosed account information should also change their password.
The warning is particularly relevant for learners and newly qualified drivers who may only recently have started using parking apps. Instructors can help by reminding them that an urgent-looking payment text should always be checked independently.
Liz Hunter, Director at MoneyExpert, said: “If you receive an unexpected payment request, never click the link in the text. Instead, check directly through the official parking provider’s app or website.”
