NATIONAL Anti-Fraud Network members have reported incidents of residents receiving text messages, supposedly sent by local authorities who are requesting a payment of a parking fine according to Monmouthshire County Council.

The messages advise a parking fine has been issued and give a deadline for a payment, stating that failure to pay will result in additional fines and interest being charged.

The messages include a link to make a payment. The links are taking people to a realistic copy of a Government website including logos, where post code and payment details are requested.

A local authority would not send a text message to a resident, regarding a parking fine. Monmouthshire County Council urge people to ignore any text messages received and to not click on the links included.

You can report any message to Action Fraud.