The City of San Diego is warning about a parking ticket text scam.
The City of San Diego is warning residents about a phishing scam that impersonates a city website requesting payment for parking tickets.
City officials say residents are receiving a text message notifying them about an unpaid parking citation that includes instructions to click a link to pay online. Anyone who gets this text should avoid clicking the link or entering any credit card or payment information.
⚠️ Scam Alert: Some San Diegans have reported receiving FAKE text messages instructing them to pay a "parking invoice”. These notices are fraudulent and are NOT from the City of San Diego. We are aware of the situation and are working to take the phony website down. pic.twitter.com/QfpxY42h6S
— City of San Diego (@CityofSanDiego) January 16, 2025
Cybersecurity teams were able to get the website taken down.
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The City says those who think they may have a parking ticket can verify the status and pay online.
The phishing scam is the latest to target motorists who park in San Diego.
Last month, San Diego police had to issue a similar warning of a scam going around via physical ticket. Residents were receiving a yellow "parking violation notice" on their windshields that asked them to go to donation websites online to pay a fee and avoid a ticket.
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These tickets were also fraudulent, San Diego police said.
"Please be aware the San Diego Police Department will never ask for a monetary donation in lieu of a parking citation," the department said in a post on X.
SDPD said different types of fake tickets could exist, not just the one pictured.
In September, the city of San Diego told drivers to be aware of a parking meter scam. No incidents were reported in San Diego at the time, but the city said scammers were sticking fake QR codes onto meters in other California cities to steal payment information.
If you see someone leaving potentially fraudulent tickets on cars, police ask that you call the department at 619-531-2000.
