A recent new scam is being parked near you! This rising scam involving fake parking tickets is alarming parkers across the country. In this scheme, scammers create realistic-looking parking citations and place them on vehicles, misleading the owners into believing they have received a legitimate ticket. These scammers are so good, it’s extremely difficult to determine if it’s actually real!

These fake tickets typically include official-looking logos and detailed information, making them appear authentic at first glance. They also have a QR code that the “violator” can scan to pay the so-called fine right away, for their convenience of course. Because the listed fines are low and they make it so easy to pay it, victims often do so just to get it out of their minds.

The scam often involves instructions to pay the fine through a designated website or phone number, which leads victims to a fraudulent platform. Here, they might be prompted to enter personal information or payment details, putting them at risk of identity theft and financial loss. In some cases, the scammers may even contact victims by phone, using high-pressure tactics to collect payment immediately.

As we’ve heard, QR codes can be a risk to your wallet; digital or otherwise. To avoid falling victim to this scam, there are several precautions drivers can take. First, if you find a parking ticket on your car, examine it closely. Check for discrepancies in the issuing authority, such as unfamiliar logos or incorrect contact information. Authentic tickets usually have specific identifiers, including badge numbers or official citations.

Second, verify the ticket by contacting the issuing authority directly, using contact information from their official website rather than any details provided on the ticket itself. For example, go to the website for the city or county and look up the citation number there. Wait to get to a laptop or on secure WiFI and go to the official website using means other than what’s printed on the ticket. Most of the time, you can search by citation number and license plate number. If you can’t find it, it’s probably fake. If so, report it to local law enforcement.

If it has a QR code, exercise caution. Most cities are behind the curve about using QR codes for paying tickets.

Lastly, remain cautious about sharing personal or financial information online. Always double-check URLs for authenticity before entering any sensitive data.

Not long ago there was another parking related scam involving QR codes. In that case, fake codes were posted on parking meters and when clicked, went to a phony website that collected information and payment. Be on the lookout for that scam too and get parking meter apps directly from your device’s official app store.

By staying informed and vigilant, drivers can protect themselves from this deceptive scam and avoid unnecessary financial loss.