An urgent warning has been issued to Swindon residents as scammers claiming to be from the council are sending out parking penalty text messages.

The messages, which all appear in various wording, inform residents that they have a parking penalty charge notice from their local authority and if it is not paid within a certain time frame, the fine will increase.

The texts have created significant alarm among Swindon residents, many of whom have struggled to tell whether or not it is legitimate.

"I've grown up with technology so I like to think I'm quite good at spotting scam texts and emails - but even I struggled to tell with this one," one resident told The Adver.

"I started to think back to if I could have possibly picked up a parking fine at any point. It was only the slightly odd wording that gave it away.

"I think if my grandparents got that text, they'd probably click on it."

An example of one of the text messages, sent to a Swindon residentOne of the spam messages, sent to a Swindon resident on October 5  (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council said: "We have recently received reports of residents receiving text messages claiming to be from the Council, asking them to pay a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

"These messages include our telephone number.

"The Council does not send text messages requesting payment for PCNs. If you receive a message, do not respond or provide any personal information.

"If you are concerned and have any questions or wish to verify your PCN, contact us directly by calling 01793 445500."

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