Parking ticket scam targets Uptown Oakland drivers

Scammers have pilfered $74 from Oakland vehicle owners by distributing counterfeit parking tickets in Uptown and downtown. These fake citations closely resemble official city tickets and include a QR code that leads to a fraudulent payment site. The YMCA in Oakland issued a warning to its members, stating that the tickets are not legitimate and encouraging drivers to disregard them. Several community members have reported falling victim to this scam, prompting the YMCA to enhance their outreach efforts. Over the last decade, parking ticket scams have become increasingly common, with similar incidents reported in Santa Cruz and through fraudulent text messages in Alameda County.

To protect themselves, residents should always verify tickets by visiting the official city website rather than interacting with QR codes. The Oakland police have yet to respond to inquiries about the scam. Awareness of such schemes is vital as scammers exploit the convenience of mobile payment systems.