14 DAY TRIAL // Internet users in the United Kingdom are advised to be careful if they come across what appears to be a parking fine notification in their inbox. The emails are being utilized to distribute a piece of malware.
According to Action Fraud, the malicious notifications come from the email address [email protected] and they’ve been designed to appear as if they’ve been sent by the Ministry of Justice (justice.gov.uk).
In reality, the fake parking fines have nothing to do with GovDelivery, which is the automated email and digital subscription management platform for governments, or the British Ministry of Justice.
Cybercriminals are sending them out in hopes that they can convince recipients to open the files attached to them. Action Fraud says the attachments contain malware.
If you come across these emails, delete them from your inbox. Once you’ve deleted them, file a report with Action Fraud. If you’ve already opened the attachment, scan your computer with an updated antivirus program.
Here’s what the malicious emails look like:
“Your vehicle was recorded parked on our Clients Private Property at Katherine Road driveways from 12.13.23PM to 14.40.36PM on the 11.02.2014 and remained on site for 2 hour 27 min. A notice was sent to you on 6.03.2014 which gives 28 days to pay full PARKING CHARGE or challenge the issue.
The amount of £70.00 is now due if payment not received within 28 days, an additional 40.00 administration charge will be incurred. Failure to pay the full outstanding balance within 14 days of the date of this notice could result in the outstanding balance being registered as a debt against you.
You will also become liable for additional costs and interest invoiced. Your ability to obtain credit in the future could be affected. We are holding photographic evidence on file to support this claim.
YOU CAN FIND COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE AND FORMS FOR MAKING PAYMENT IN ATTACHMENT BELOW.”