A wave of text message scams is targeting users of parking payment apps, particularly those using RingGo. The fraudulent messages claim that a billing or routine review has identified an unpaid parking charge and urge recipients to settle the amount promptly to avoid further financial penalties or administrative action. Each message includes a link directing users to what appears to be the legitimate RingGo website.
Security experts have identified these messages as sophisticated phishing attempts. The links direct users to counterfeit websites that closely mirror the authentic RingGo platform, created using advanced artificial intelligence technology. When users enter their username, password, or payment card details on these fake sites, the information is captured by criminal networks who can then drain accounts or sell the personal data to other fraudsters.
At least two variants of the scam message are currently circulating, with nearly identical language patterns. The fraudulent texts contain several telltale signs of deception, including poor spelling such as “Servicess” instead of “Services,” web addresses that bear no resemblance to the legitimate RingGo domain, and links that may initially fail to function. Security researchers note that the non-functional links are intentional, particularly targeting iPhone users. When a recipient replies to an iMessage from an unknown sender—even with a single character—Apple’s system reclassifies the sender as known, activating the previously disabled link.
Experts indicate that RingGo was chosen as the target brand deliberately rather than randomly. Parking payment services represent attractive fraud targets because notifications about outstanding charges are credible to most drivers, the amounts involved are typically small enough to avoid immediate suspicion, and there are genuine consequences to ignoring legitimate payment notices. Messages examined by media outlets showed country codes from Morocco, though security professionals indicate the criminals are likely routing messages through various low-cost channels to obscure their actual location.
RingGo officials recommend that anyone receiving such messages immediately delete them without clicking any links. Customers can verify their legitimate parking history through the official RingGo app or website. Those who have clicked fraudulent links and entered financial information should contact their banks immediately and change their passwords, beginning with banking credentials. Reports of such scam messages can be submitted to the National Cyber Security Centre by texting them to 7726.
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