Scammers are now using text messages to trick people, and one scam that’s becoming more common is the EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam. This scam takes advantage of people’s fear of getting parking fines, which pushes them to act quickly without checking if the message is real.
Text message scams like this have become a serious issue. Scammers make their messages look more convincing, often pretending to be official organizations like government agencies or parking companies.
In this post, we will explain the details of the EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam, how it operates, and what to do if you fall victim.
What Is EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam?
The EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam tricks people into thinking they owe a parking fine. Scammers send fake text messages claiming to be from the “East-West Highway Company” (EWHC) or a similar authority. The message creates a sense of urgency.
In the scam, victims receive a text that looks like an official notice about a parking violation. It includes details like a fake fine number or vehicle registration. The message also contains a link to a website a fake parking authority page.
When victims click the link and try to pay, they are asked to provide personal and financial information. Scammers then steal this data for their gain. This scam plays on the fear of getting parking tickets.
How Does EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam Work?
The EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam works in a series of steps to trick victims with fake messages and websites.
First, scammers send mass text messages to random people or target individuals using stolen data. These messages look legitimate and use fake numbers or official-sounding names. The text creates urgency, which tells the victim they have an unpaid parking fine. It includes a link or a fake reference number to seem more believable.
When the victim clicks the link, they are taken to a fake website designed to look like a real parking authority page. The site asks for personal details like their name, address, credit card info, or Social Security number. Once the victim enters this information, scammers steal it and may use it for identity theft, fraud, or selling it to others.
Sometimes, the fake site installs malware on the victim’s device, making things even worse. After the initial scam, victims face more fraud attempts as their details get passed to other criminals who may send more messages or make calls demanding further payments.
What To Do If You Fall For EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam?
If you have fallen for the EWHC Parking Penalty Notice Text Scam or any similar type of scam. Here are some steps that you can take to avoid these scams.
- If you think the message is a scam, don’t click on any links or reply. Doing so could expose you to more scams or malware.
- If you’re unsure if the message is real, contact your local parking authority directly. Use their official website to get contact details don’t trust the information from the text message. Ask if there’s a real fine linked to your vehicle.
- Let the authorities know about the scam. In the UK, you can report it to Action Fraud; in the US, notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Also, tell your mobile provider so they can help block similar messages from reaching others.
- If you give sensitive details like your Social Security number, it’s a good idea to sign up for an identity theft protection service. They can monitor your data and alert you if someone tries to use your information fraudulently.
- If any of your accounts may have been compromised, change your passwords right away. Use strong, unique passwords, and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Erika is a Computer Science student with a passion for reading and digital exploration. She loves to read personal growth books and spends her free time navigating various websites, improving her technological skills and understanding of web platforms. Erika is particularly interested in cybersecurity and stays updated on news related to scams and fraud. Her curiosity and dedication push her to pursue a career where she can innovate and improve digital safety and user experiences.