What is happening
A text says there is an unpaid parking balance linked to your number plate. It warns that your account will be blocked or you will be fined if you do not pay within 24 hours. The link leads to a page asking for your car details and payment card. RingGo has put a warning on its website about this wave of fake messages.
What it can look like
RingGo: You have an unpaid parking balance linked to your vehicle. Pay within 24 hours to avoid a fine and account suspension: [link]
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- A text about an unpaid parking balance you did not expect
- A 24-hour deadline and a threat to block your account
- A link that asks for your number plate and card details
What to do
- Do not click the link or reply
- Open the RingGo app, or type myringgo.co.uk into your browser yourself, to check your account
- Forward the text to 7726, then delete it
- Report scam websites to the National Cyber Security Centre
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Sources
- Is this RingGo text a scam?
Which? · 2026-09-24
We summarise warnings published by the organisations above. If something here is wrong, tell us and we will correct it.