Police are warning Powys residents about a series of scam text messages asking for money after receiving a number of reports on the issue.

Officers in Welshpool say Dyfed Powys Police have received a number of reports from people who have been targeted by scammers via text messages and on September 12 released a warning to residents to be wary of any fraudulent messages.

According to police, victims of the scam have been texted from someone claiming to be “a local council” advising them to pay a Parking Penalty Charges Notice (PCN) via a link sent to them.

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By paying the fake charge, victims of the scam have been providing their bank details and financial information to the fraudsters.

Police have advised anyone who receives a text like this to be aware that it is a fraud, as a council or government body would never send a text message to request payment of a PCN.

(Image: Dyfed Powys Police)

A PCN would be issued on the spot by Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers or by post with details provided by the DVLA.

Advising people on what to do, Dyfed Powys Police said: “If you receive a text message, do not make any payment and do not provide your bank details. Delete the text message.

“If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, report it to Dyfed Powys Police via the website or call 101.

“You can forward scam text messages to 7726 to report them to your service provider and scam websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.”