Calgary police warn of fake parking ticket text scam
Posted Jul 21, 2025 11:22 am.
Last Updated Jul 21, 2025 11:25 am.
If you receive a text message demanding you pay an outstanding parking or photo radar ticket you are likely the target of a scam, Calgary police say.
In recent weeks, officers have received more than 25 reports of Calgarians receiving text messages that say they need to pay overdue tickets. The text usually has a link attached, encouraging the person to click it to complete the payment.
Calgary police say the City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta will not send text messages to request payment for fines.
Photo radar tickets and parking tickets are mailed to the registered owner of a vehicle and subsequent communication about overdue fines will also be sent via mail.
Investigators say if you received an unsolicited text message with a link attached, do not click the link, give any payment or personal information through the text, delete the message immediately, and don’t engage.
More information about City of Calgary Parking fines can be found here, and additional details about provincial parking fine can be found here.
Anyone who has lost money or who has had their personal information compromised because of fraud is encouraged to report it to police at 403-266-1234 or tip anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
