Got a text about a Vancouver parking ticket? It's a scam, city says
The City of Vancouver is warning residents not to click on links or give personal information in response to text messages about overdue parking tickets claiming to be from the city.
"We have been notified of a scam targeting people through text messages requesting they pay an overdue parking ticket," the city said on its municipal Twitter account Wednesday.
"This is not the city, we do not notify the public of fines through texting, media or social media."
The only means the city uses to collect parking-related fines are tickets placed on vehicles or mailed to their registered owners, according to the city's website.
The city advised recipients to report the fraudulent messages to their cellphone providers and then delete them.
Vancouver is far from the only government entity scammers have impersonated in an attempt to gain access to money and personal information.
Within days of the announcement that ICBC would be offering drivers a one-time payment aimed at lightening the burden of high gas prices, fraudsters had already begun sending scam texts claiming rebates were available.
Likewise, RCMP detachments and municipal police departments across B.C. have warned of scammers "spoofing" their phone numbers and attempting to convince people to pay supposed fines, often demanding payment in cryptocurrency.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.