Think you got a parking ticket text? Think again! It could be a scam.
Recently, residents in Saskatoon have been warned about a new wave of scam messages pretending to be parking tickets. According to city officials, scammers are sending fake texts demanding payment, hoping that people will panic and pay quickly.
However, the city made it clear: they do NOT send parking ticket notices by text message. In fact, any message asking you to pay a fine through a link or reply is fraudulent. Because of this, these scams often use urgent language to pressure victims into acting fast without checking.
To stay safe, the City of Saskatoon advises residents to always verify tickets through official channels only. For example, the safest way is to check directly on the city’s website using your driver’s licence or ticket number. At the same time, never click on links from unknown messages.
Additionally, officials warned that scammers may try to steal personal or banking information, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss. As a result, these types of scams are becoming more common and more convincing.
To protect yourself, residents should:
- Never share personal or financial details through text, email, or phone
- Avoid clicking suspicious links
- Delete and block unknown senders
- Report scams to authorities
If you believe you’ve been targeted or scammed, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or local police.
