Have you received a text message about a parking fine? It’s almost certainly a scam. The same jokers who perpetrated the Unpaid Toll Smishing operation are now rolling out a similar scheme. The Unpaid Parking Ticket Scam is probably coming to your text messages, soon!
And what’s worse is that the smishers are getting better at their craft. iPhone users were better protected against these scams, because Apple was blocking links in some text messages. Until the bad guys found a workaround. The latest fake texts about fines show working URLs, thanks to a Google-based exploit.
As with other smishing attempts, you are advised:
- Don’t open any link (or attachment) in the message
- Don’t reply to the text in any way
- Consider reporting it to the FBI
- Delete the text and/or mark it as spam
And if you think you legitimately owe for a parking infraction, go looking on the city’s website for a payment page or town hall phone number to use. Government agencies don’t ask for payments like this over text!