Over recent months, we have been made aware of an increase in the number of residents receiving text messages claiming to be related to an outstanding Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), often with pressures to make a payment or supply personal details in a short time period to avoid further repercussions.  These websites often adopt styling of websites belonging to Central Government (gov.uk) or Local Authorities.

We would like to remind residents that we do not issue Penalty Charge Notices (or reminders) via text messages.

If you are issued a Standard Charge Notice to Pay (NTP) by Rother District Council, a ticket will be placed on your vehicle by a uniformed Enforcement Officer. For information on how to pay an NTP, please follow the instructions located on the parking charge notice. Alternatively, you can visit our Car Parks webpage below for further information. This should not be paid to a parking attendant under any circumstances.

East Sussex County Council manage on-street parking throughout the District. Vehicles parked outside of permitted regulations will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which will be placed on the vehicle by a uniformed Civil Enforcement Officer. Further information on PCN’s for on-street parking is available on East Sussex County Council’s website by clicking the button below.

How do I report this?

Scam Websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) online. If received via text message, you can forward these messages to 7726, which will allow your telephone provider to investigate the origin of the text and arrange for them to be blocked/banned if they are found to be malicious.

For more information on the NCSC and their guidance, please visit their website by clicking the button below.

If you think you may have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should report this to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. 

Published: 1st August 2025