Fake Parking Ticket Text Scams Targeting U.S. Cities
Cybercriminals have launched a large-scale phishing campaign across the U.S., impersonating city parking violation departments to trick unsuspecting residents into paying fake parking fines. Authorities in several cities, including New York, Boston, San Diego, Denver, and Houston, have issued warnings about these fraudulent text messages, which claim recipients owe unpaid parking fees and face additional daily penalties.
How the Scam Works
The phishing scheme begins with a text message appearing to come from an official city department, warning the recipient about an “unpaid parking invoice.” The message states that if payment is not made immediately, a $35 daily late fee will apply. Victims are then directed to a website that mimics an official city portal.
A key tactic used by the scammers involves leveraging an open redirect from Google.com, which allows the malicious link to bypass Apple’s built-in security features in iMessage. Because Google.com is a trusted domain, the fraudulent message does not trigger any security alerts, making unsuspecting users more likely to click on the link.
Once on the phishing website, users are asked to enter their personal details, including their name and zip code. After submission, the site falsely confirms the existence of a parking fine and prompts users to “settle their balance promptly.” The fake payment amount varies, but the end goal remains the same—stealing sensitive personal and financial information.
Red Flags Indicating a Scam
While the fake websites appear convincing, several telltale signs expose them as fraudulent:
- Incorrect currency formatting: Many scam sites display the dollar sign ($) after the amount instead of before, an unusual formatting error not seen in legitimate U.S. government websites.
- Generic or non-official URLs: Official city websites follow a specific naming structure (e.g., “.gov” domains). Scammers often use similar-sounding but unofficial URLs, such as “nycparkclient[.]com.”
- Unverified sender information: If a message comes from an unknown phone number or lacks proper city branding, it’s a red flag.
- Pressure tactics: Legitimate city departments do not demand immediate payments via text messages or threaten increasing penalties within hours.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Parking Fine Text
If you receive an unexpected text message about an unpaid parking ticket, take the following precautions:
- Do not click any links: Avoid interacting with the text message or opening any provided links.
- Verify directly with your city: Contact your local parking authority or visit their official website to check for any legitimate outstanding fines.
- Report the scam: Forward phishing messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your city’s fraud department.
- Block and delete the message: Prevent further attempts by blocking the sender’s number.
- Monitor your financial accounts: If you suspect you’ve entered payment details on a fraudulent site, contact your bank immediately and monitor for unauthorized transactions.
The Growing Threat of Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, utilizing tactics such as deepfake technology and artificial intelligence to create more believable scams. This parking ticket scam is just one example of how cybercriminals exploit public trust in government institutions to deceive individuals.
With reports of cyber fraud increasing across the U.S., it’s crucial for consumers to stay vigilant. Awareness and cautious online behavior are key to preventing financial loss and identity theft. By spreading the word about this scam, we can help prevent more people from falling victim to these deceptive tactics. Stay alert, stay informed, and always verify before making any payments online.
