Parking scams: Fake fines, real threats

Fraser Richards of Anchor Group Services on how scam PCNs are undermining trust in UK parking

You return from shopping, a family day out, or a client meeting and there it is, a yellow slip tucked under your windscreen wiper. 

A parking charge notice (PCN), issued because you overstayed or failed to pay. But increasingly, this ticket is not from any legitimate authority. It’s a scam.

Across the UK, fake PCNs are on the rise and they’re more convincing than ever. Mimicking official council notices and using cloned logos, correct car registration numbers and even the names of legitimate car parks. These bogus tickets are defrauding drivers out of hundreds of pounds and undermining public trust in the system.

At Anchor Group Services , we manage parking for some of the UK’s busiest retail and commercial destinations. Our frontline teams have seen first-hand how these scams operate and how they are evolving.  

A new breed of parking fraud

According to the British Parking Association (BPA), there has been a surge in reported incidents involving fake tickets, QR scams, and card skimmers at pay & display machines. 

Local councils from Southampton to Islington have issued public warnings about fraudsters placing dummy PCNs on windscreens, often in high-footfall locations such as retail parks, seafronts or commuter hubs.

These scams are well-crafted and executed. The ticket may look and feel identical to a council-issued notice. A convincing web link or QR code leads to a payment portal. The victim thinks they’re resolving a minor issue until their bank account is compromised.

The rise in vehicle-related fraud reflects an unfortunate broader trend, the UK recorded a 24% increase in payment card fraud in 2023, according to UK Finance, with parking scams named among emerging methods. For FM (facilities management) providers and property owners, these are not isolated incidents. They threaten customer experience, brand trust, and site safety.

Parking providers must respond proactively

Parking has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Contactless payments, app-based permits, and ANPR technology have made the process faster and more flexible. But digitisation also opens new doors for abuse.

That’s why at Anchor we are investing in prevention and protection to try our best to mitigate this threat. From re-evaluating the signage and appearance of legitimate PCNs, to training our staff to spot fraudulent activity and educating the public in partnership with clients. 

At key retail destinations we have already implemented the below: 

• Secure QR and NFC technology: Verified, encrypted links with anti-cloning protocols.
• Staff awareness training: Ensuring parking officers and site teams know what to look for.
• Customer guidance signage: Clear messaging around authorised payment methods.
• Incident reporting systems: Allowing suspicious activity to be flagged immediately.

We’re also in active conversation with trade associations and retail partners to ensure a joined-up response that protects both motorists and client assets. 

Rebuilding trust in parking services

The damage caused by scam PCNs extends far beyond the individual. It chips away at public trust. It creates confusion around legitimate enforcement. And it risks discrediting both private and public parking services at large.

Parking providers have a responsibility to not just enforce fairly, but to communicate clearly. It means protecting customer data, validating signage and branding across every touchpoint. Our preferred approach is centered in partnership, with retail landlords, local authorities, and above all, with the public. When parking feels unsafe, chaotic, or inconsistent, everyone loses. 

A call to action

The parking sector cannot afford complacency. We need a coordinated response from councils, private operators, technology providers, and consumer groups. Public education is key but so is proactive infrastructure review, staff vigilance, and improved digital security.

At Anchor, we’re committed to making parking not just efficient, but secure and trustworthy. Because the next time someone returns to their vehicle, the only thing they should worry about is beating the traffic home.

Fraser Richards is director of parking services at Anchor Group Services
www.anchorgroupservices.com