Barnet Council is warning residents following several fake e-mails that appear to be from the council containing false penalty charge notices (PCNs). The council does not send PCNs by email and residents are advised not to click on any links which may take them to suspicious websites.
The e-mails started to appear on the afternoon of 20 March, with several people contacting the council by phone and on social media to query their status. Whilst the messages use the council’s logo and branding, they have no affiliation to Barnet Council.
Those that have received an e-mail are asked to report the scam using Action Fraud, the National Fraud and Cyber Reporting Centre, at www.actionfraud.police.uk. Anyone that has opened a link in the e-mail is also advised to scan their computer for viruses or other malicious software.