Warning over congestion charge text scammers

A motorist has warned about the dangers of scam phone texts claiming to be related to Oxford's congestion charge scheme.

The congestion charge, introduced in November, means drivers going through one of six points in the city centre have to pay a £5 fee.

Barbara Vardag said she had received a text asking her to tap a link to make a payment, even though she is registered as a blue badge holder and so is exempt from any charges.

Oxfordshire County Council said it would never call or text residents asking for a payment.

Vardag said she received the text saying she had fine for the congestion charge along with a link to a website, supposedly to pay.

She said she was suspicious about the message and called the council for confirmation that it was fake.

"Some poor soul will be taken in by it give their details and they'll make some money.

"It might even lose a the person who's been contacted lots of money," she said.

Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for transport said people should only use official payment system when making a payment to the council.

"We were aware of potential scammers trying their luck with Oxford's temporary congestion charge. so have a specific web page about how to avoid payment fraud as part of our congestion charge pages,

"We will never call or text residents asking for a payment; all our communication is by letter," he added.

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