A spokesman said the council had received reports of fake parking infringements claiming to be from the Warrnambool City Council being sent to vehicle owners via email.

"Council will never send a parking infringement via email," he said.

"They are either left on vehicles or sent via post. The matter is being investigated and the police have been notified.

"If anyone has any suspicions about a parking infringement they have received, we would urge them to call the council on 5559 4800."

The spokesman said parking was currently free in the city centre, but time limits still applied and infringement could be issued if drivers exceeded those time limits.

Warrnambool police Sergeant Blake Amos urged anyone with suspicions about a parking fine to contact police.

"If any members of the public have received these emails or fraudulent infringement notices, I encourage them to report the matter to police via the Police Assistance Line on Ph: 131 444," he said.

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