The public are being warned about scammers who are claiming to enforce parking charges for the council.

Dorset Council says it has received numerous calls from the public saying they had received a text message claiming to be from the council and DVLA concerning parking charges.

The council will never inform you of a penalty notice via text, and instead uses hard copies.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "We have received a number of calls indicating a text message scam that claims to be from the 'Dorset Council' and 'DVLA' in relation to a parking charge.

"We only notify you of charges via a hard copy.

"We will never inform you of a Penalty Charge Notice via text.  

"Please make those around you aware of these scams, and report any text messages you receive.

"Do not click on any suggested payment links."