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Fraud warning on fake parking tickets NYC.
The Boro Park neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York has a scammer doling out fake and convincing parking tickets on vehicles, and people are scanning QR codes that lead to a fake website.
Watch the video/read the article at The Sun
Urgent Driver Warning: The Rise of Fake Parking Tickets
Scammers are increasingly targeting motorists with a new scheme involving fake parking tickets that feature convincing QR codes. These fraudulent tickets mislead drivers into making payments to scammers instead of legitimate authorities. This article discusses the alarming trend, its implications, and the necessary precautions drivers should take to avoid falling victim.
Key Points
Nature of the Scam: Scammers are placing fake parking tickets on vehicles, particularly in busy urban areas like Boro Park, Brooklyn. These tickets often include QR codes that direct victims to fraudulent payment websites or prompt them to pay through apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.
Warning from Authorities: Police have issued warnings against scanning QR codes on tickets, emphasizing that legitimate tickets will always direct users to secure websites with a “dot gov” domain. If a website lacks the “HTTPS” designation, it is not secure for payments.
Identifying Fake Tickets: Drivers should be vigilant about the details on the tickets. Genuine citations will specify a reason for the ticket, while those lacking such information may be scams. Additionally, tickets issued in private parking lots are typically not valid since private lots do not have the authority to issue tickets.
Verification Steps: Motorists are advised to call the issuing institution directly to confirm the validity of the ticket before making any payments. Checking the city’s ticketing database can also help ensure that the vehicle is not listed as cited.
International Trends: This scam is not limited to the U.S.; similar tactics are being reported in Canada. For instance, Toronto residents have received fraudulent text messages claiming overdue parking tickets, threatening license revocation. Authorities emphasize that legitimate reminders will only be sent through the mail.
Detailed Breakdown
The Mechanics of the Scam
Scammers utilize fake parking tickets with QR codes that lead to fraudulent websites designed to collect payments. The Boro Park area has seen a notable increase in these scams, where the urgency of busy streets causes drivers to act quickly without scrutinizing the ticket.
Police Warnings and Advice
Local police departments are actively warning the public against these scams. They stress the importance of recognizing secure payment channels and the need to verify any citation received. Detective David Coffey from Toronto’s Financial Crimes Unit highlighted that police will only send reminders through traditional mail, not via text messages.
Steps to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to these scams, drivers should:
- Inspect the Ticket: Look for a clear reason for the citation and check the domain of any linked websites.
- Verify with Authorities: Contact the issuing authority directly to confirm the legitimacy of the ticket.
- Use Official Channels: Always use official city or municipal websites to check for any citations.
Notable Quotes & Data
- “If there is not a listed reason, it’s reasonable to assume that it’s the work of a scammer,” noted Boro Park 24.
- Detective David Coffey stated, “Toronto police will not send text messages reminding people of traffic violations, so if you get a text message like this, you should delete it.”
Context & Implications
The rise of fake parking ticket scams reflects broader trends in digital fraud, where scammers exploit technology to deceive victims. The situation underscores the importance of public awareness and education on recognizing and responding to such scams. As these fraudulent activities become more sophisticated, it is crucial for motorists to remain vigilant and informed to protect themselves from financial losses.
In conclusion, as the prevalence of fake parking tickets continues to grow, drivers must adopt a proactive approach to verify the authenticity of any parking citations they encounter. By following recommended safety measures, motorists can safeguard themselves against these deceitful tactics.