Fareham Borough Council has issued a warning to drivers after reports of scam texts asking residents to pay parking fines.

The council issued a warning on its website stating that some residents have received text messages asking them to pay a parking fine.

The authority told the Echo that the scam texts follow a national trend and that residents should be aware that the council will never reach out via a text message.

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A spokesperson for Fareham Borough Council said: “We've been alerted to residents receiving text messages claiming that they need to pay a parking fine. This is a scam.

“We do not contact residents by text if you have a parking fine.

“If you receive one of these texts, do not click on any links and forward the text to 7726.

“This free-of-charge short code enables your provider to investigate the origin of the text and take action.”