WEST Fife motorists are being warned to be on their guard for a possible scam over unpaid parking tickets.

Fife Council are urging caution over scam texts which begin "Please pay a parking penalty charge notice issued by a local council."

The message warns the recipient that thy face a "charge certificate" if they don't pay within 28 days and that the charge amount will rise.

It asks people to click on a link to pay and warns of prosecution for those who don't pay.

Andy Paterson, Lead Consultant for Car Parking Strategy & Operations said: "Fife Council and other local authorities do not send text messages about outstanding Penalty Charge Notices.

The scam text about unpaid parking charges.The scam text about unpaid parking charges. (Image: Fife Council) "I would urge the public to ignore any such messages and avoid clicking links contained in the message.

"If you have received a Penalty Charge Notice, details of how to pay or appeal the Penalty can be found on the back of the PCN. PCNs can also be paid or appealed by visiting the Parking Fines section on Fife Council's website."

Parking tickets issued by Fife Council cannot be paid through texts. If you have received such a message, do not click on the link or provide payment details.

Suspected fraud can be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101, and advice is available from Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or online at www.consumeradvice.scot.