Police Warn Drivers About Fake Parking Ticket Scam
Police in Southern California are warning residents that scammers are placing fake parking tickets on cars, and the link for paying the "fine" may lead to fraudulent or malicious websites designed to steal data.
The Alhambra Police Department on Tuesday said they have received multiple calls about the scam parking citations, and shared photos of the fake tickets alongside the real thing.
The fake ticket has a QR code that directs people to a purported payment portal, and police are warning residents not to scan the code or visit the link.
"Scammers create QR codes to trick people into visiting a fraudulent website or downloading malware that compromises their personal information," police said.
Police are asking anyone who finds a scam ticket to report it to their traffic division.
"Remember, we will only refer you to our safe and secure city website: www.cityofalhambra.org. If you are unsure, don't hesitate to contact us," police said.
The scam is the latest to use seemingly official government documents to trick people into revealing private financial information or other data, such as jury duty scams and bail scams.
An Increase In Digital Scams
During the past few years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number and sophistication of scams targeting unsuspecting citizens. One common scam involves impersonating government representatives to deceive people into surrendering their personal or financial information. The fake parking ticket scam in Alhambra is a recent addition to this growing list, which also includes jury duty scams, bail scams, and IRS scams, among others.
In the case of jury duty scams, fraudsters often pose as court officials over the phone and claim that the victim has missed jury duty and must pay a fine or provide personal information to avoid arrest. Similarly, bail scams typically involve scammers calling individuals and pretending to be law enforcement officers, informing them that a relative or friend has been arrested and requires bail money.
The rise of QR codes has made it easier for scammers to perpetrate these types of frauds. QR codes are convenient tools that allow people to quickly access websites, make payments, and share information with just a scan from a smartphone. Unfortunately, this convenience also makes it easier for malicious actors to trick people into visiting harmful websites or downloading malware. Security experts advise treating QR codes with caution, especially those that arrive unexpectedly or are found in suspicious contexts.
To further safeguard against such scams, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police. By gathering information from the public, law enforcement can better understand the methods and scope of the scam. Additionally, sharing information about scams on social media and through community channels can help spread awareness and prevent more people from falling victim.
Story via TMX