Beware: Fake Parking Tickets on the Rise in Calgary
Hey Calgary folks, there's a new scam in town, and it’s parking itself right on your windshield. The Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) has issued a warning about a surge in fake parking tickets being placed on vehicles around the city. These fraudulent tickets look pretty convincing, making it easy to fall for the scam.
What’s Happening?
So, here's the deal: scammers are going around the city, slapping fake parking tickets on cars, pretending to be CPA officials. These phony tickets mimic the real ones in many ways, including detailed fine tables and instructions. However, instead of directing you to the CPA’s legitimate websites, they send you to a fake one.
Spotting the Fake Tickets
The CPA recently shared an image on social media (you might have seen it on X) showing how realistic these fake tickets look. They come complete with official-looking information but sneakily redirect you to a bogus website. To avoid getting duped, remember the CPA’s official payment websites are:
What Should You Do?
If you find one of these fake tickets on your car, the CPA has a clear message: destroy it immediately. Do not follow any instructions on the fake ticket. Instead, double-check any parking ticket you receive by:
- Calling the CPA at 403-537-7000 with the ticket number.
- Visiting the CPA’s official websites.
Reporting the Scams
Got a fake ticket? Report it to the Calgary police by calling their non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. The CPA emphasizes the importance of reporting these incidents to help them tackle the issue more effectively.
The Scammers Are Persistent
This isn’t the first time the CPA has had to deal with scammers. Just a couple of months ago, in April, there was another scam involving phony text messages. These texts were sent to Calgarians, asking for payment of non-existent fines. The CPA advised anyone receiving such texts to report them to the police immediately.
Staying Alert
🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨 There’s a new parking ticket scam we want to warn you about. Scammers are printing and placing fake parking tickets on vehicles, falsely claiming to be from Calgary Parking.
You can see their alert tweet here.
Why It's a Big Deal
These scams are not just a minor inconvenience. They can cause a lot of stress and potentially lead to financial loss if you mistakenly pay the fake fines. It’s essential to stay vigilant and be aware of the signs of a scam. By spreading the word and reporting fake tickets, we can help put a stop to these fraudulent activities.
Tips to Avoid Being Scammed
- Verify Information: Always cross-check the information on the ticket with the CPA’s official resources.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Don’t hesitate to report any suspicious tickets or messages to the authorities.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Share this information with friends and family to prevent them from falling victim to these scams.
- Keep Up with Official Announcements: Follow the CPA on social media and check their website regularly for updates and warnings.
What’s Next?
The CPA and Calgary police are working together to combat these scams, but they also need the public’s help. Awareness and prompt reporting are crucial in stopping these scammers in their tracks. Stay informed, stay cautious, and always verify any suspicious parking tickets you come across.
Do you agree with this? No? Have your say below in the comments. Let’s get a conversation going and share tips on how to protect each other from these pesky scams!