Vancouver, BC – The City of Vancouver is warning residents to be cautious of a new text scam targeting individuals with unpaid parking tickets.
According to the city, the scam involves individuals receiving a text message claiming to be from the City of Vancouver and stating that they have an unpaid parking ticket. The message then prompts the recipient to click on a link to pay the ticket immediately or face additional fees.
However, the City of Vancouver has confirmed that they do not send text messages regarding unpaid parking tickets. They also do not request payment through text messages or ask for personal information such as credit card numbers.
This scam is a cause for concern as it preys on individuals who may have legitimately received a parking ticket and are unaware of the city’s payment process. It also puts individuals at risk of falling victim to identity theft or financial fraud.
The City of Vancouver is urging residents to be vigilant and not click on any links or provide personal information in response to these text messages. Instead, individuals should check the status of their parking tickets through the city’s official website or by contacting the city’s parking services directly.
In addition, the city advises individuals to report any suspicious text messages to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and to delete the message immediately.
This is not the first time the City of Vancouver has warned residents about scams. In the past, they have issued warnings about fraudulent emails and phone calls claiming to be from the city.
It is important for individuals to stay informed and educated about these scams in order to protect themselves and their personal information. The City of Vancouver is committed to keeping its residents safe and will continue to provide updates and warnings about potential scams.
In the meantime, residents are reminded to always verify the source of any communication before taking any action. By staying vigilant and cautious, we can all work together to prevent falling victim to these scams.
