City of Calgary parking agency warns of new text message scam
Posted Apr 9, 2024 8:27 am.
Last Updated Apr 9, 2024 7:25 pm.
The City of Calgary and Calgary Parking Authority are warning of a new scam making the rounds.
A post to social media shows a screenshot of a text message apparently advising an individual of a traffic ticket.
Scam Alert The City of Calgary & Calgary Parking do not use text messages for ticket notifications or payment requests. Do not respond to scam texts or click access links. If you receive a scam text, call the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 to report it. pic.twitter.com/JKZhNV5wZ8
— Calgary Parking (@CalgaryParking) April 8, 2024
The message prompts the user to access the ‘self-serve portal’ and resolve the issue by clicking a hyperlink.
Ward 4 Coun. Sean Chu says he almost fell victim to the scam himself.
“It looked so real, I didn’t know I got a ticket,” Chu says. “So I thought, I have to look into it. I clicked on it and it came up with the city website, it looked exactly the same.”
Chu says he didn’t go any further after reaching what appeared to be the city’s site.
The city and its parking agency say text messages aren’t used for ticket notifications or payment requests and advise not responding or clicking the link if you receive a message.
Individuals who have received scam texts are encouraged to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 to report it.
