Fake Providence parking ticket texts use QR codes in new scam

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A parking ticket scam is circulating after fake notices are being texted to residents.

The document claims to be from Providence Municipal Court and is labeled as a “Notice of Hearing – Parking Violation.”

It instructs recipients to either appear in court or pay a civil penalty. The notice also includes a QR code that directs people to make a payment.

However, the document is not an official court notice and appears to be part of a scam designed to collect payments from unsuspecting drivers.

Fake notice mimics official court paperwork

The fraudulent document is formatted to look like an official legal notice from the State of Rhode Island and the City of Providence.

It references a supposed parking violation for “Parking in a Prohibited Zone (No Parking / No Standing)” and lists city ordinance numbers to make the notice appear legitimate.

The notice also provides a hearing date and location at Providence Municipal Court and includes a QR code that tells recipients to scan it to resolve the unpaid balance.

Scammers often use QR codes because they can quickly direct victims  fraudulent payment websites that mimics official government documents. 

Did you receive one a text messages like this? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments.