City warns public about parking ticket text scam

It appears the scammers are at it again.

The City wants to warn residents about an identified scam involving text messages demanding payment for unpaid parking tickets. The City does not use any texting services. You can check to see if you have an unpaid ticket on our website and entering your drivers’ license number.

Helpful reminders for residents:

• These types of demanding pay calls, Robocalls, texts or emails are never sent from the City of Saskatoon.
• The City never requests or collects credit card or bank account information from customers via phone, text or email.
• Never give out your personal or banking information, or credit card number over the phone, by text or email. It is a best practice to block suspicious phone numbers and delete after reporting.
• Do not to click on suspicious web links.

Scammers typically use the information they gather this way to get money or commit identity theft. Previous public service announcements from the City have warned residents about scams involving fake text messages and emails, both demanding payment from customers they said ‘owed money’.

Residents should contact their bank if they have become a victim of fraud, and also report these types of phone or online scams to Saskatoon Police Service at saskatoonpolice.ca/onlinereporting/fraud or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center, 1-888-495-8501.

Concerned residents may also call the City of Saskatoon to speak with a Customer Service Representative at 306-975-2400.