Buffalo, N.Y. (WIVB) — Next time you get a parking ticket, you might want to take a closer look at the ticket.
That’s because a new scam is popping up across the country in which scammers are using technology to create fake parking tickets that look very real.
The Better Business Bureau is warning people about this new scam.
Matt Krueger, director of communications for the BBB, said the scammers were targeting cars with out-of-state license plates and using 3D printers to print tickets.
“It looks real. It has a city stamp or a state stamp on it and now you think you have to pay this $50 fine or whatever, but in reality it just goes into someone’s pocket instead of you parking municipalities,” Kruger said.
Krueger said they’ll either make you pay on the cash app, which he says is a major red flag, or they’ll ask you to pay on the website, which could create more problems.
“Where this can cause problems is they have access to your personal and banking information, so not only are you paying a ticket that you don’t owe, you’re also infecting your computer with malware and your personally identifiable information, which can be used to steal your identity,” Kruger said.
Kruger said the BBB is not aware of any scams in Western New York, but they still encourage people to know the rules and beware of potential scams.
“Wherever you go, know the rules, make sure you park legally, and if there are any disputes, check with local municipalities and authorities before you pay any fees,” Kruger said.
You can watch the full episode of Tuesday’s News 4 at 10 above.
Aidan Joly is joining News4 in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College.You can see more of his work here.