Fraud alert: Unpaid parking ticket scam

There have been recent reports within Middlesex County and statewide regarding scams targeting citizens regarding unpaid parking tickets. The scammers send unsolicited text messages, emails or phone calls advising citizens that they have an unpaid parking ticket in a specific municipality. Within the text message, they would include a QR code which allows an individual to make a payment in order to satisfy the ticket. That QR code will then track your information and divert your payment to the scammers.

UNPAID TICKET SCAM:

• Scammers are sending text messages indicating that the recipient has an unpaid parking ticket and has a court hearing.
• Within the text message there is notification which includes a link or picture of a fake court notice with a case number, judge’s name and offense.
• There may also be a QR code or link where the scammers ask individuals to make payments to avoid a court appearance or a license suspension.
• By clicking the link and proceeding with payment, scammers could also obtain personal information, financial information, and proceed to steal your money.

THINGS TO KNOW:

• Local police departments and/or municipal courts will not contact you via text message.
• You can always contact your local police department or municipal court to confirm that you don’t have any issues with the court.
• To pay any parking ticket, follow the instructions on the ticket and/or website for your local municipality or go directly to your local municipal court.

TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM THESE SCAMS, DO THE FOLLOWING:

• DO NOT open text messages or links. Immediately delete and report as spam and/or junk.
• NEVER provide personal information such as date of birth or social security number.
• DO NOT provide account login information
• ENABLE two-step verification whenever available
• DO NOT share account activity – Do not share activity or financial account information.
• BLOCK any phone numbers and report the text as junk/spam.

Call your local police department, if you believe you have been victimized. You can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) https://reportfraud.ftc.gov and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) https://www.ic3.gov.