The City of Victoria is warning residents about a parking fine scam currently circulating in the community, urging people to be cautious when receiving unexpected payment requests.
According to the city, fraudulent messages—often sent by text—may appear to be legitimate parking fine notices, prompting recipients to make quick payments.
These scams can look convincing, but there are key differences between real tickets and fake ones. The city is reminding residents that legitimate parking fines follow a specific process.
Tickets can be paid online, in person at the Public Service Centre, or by mail, and fines are reduced if they are paid within the first two weeks.
If a ticket goes unpaid, the city issues reminder letters at 45 days and again at 60 days.
After six months, any outstanding fines are transferred to ARO, a Canadian collection agency, which may then contact individuals by text message, phone call or letter.
However, the city notes that residents should be wary of any unexpected or suspicious communication asking for immediate payment, particularly if it includes unfamiliar links or requests for personal information.
Anyone who receives a notification about a parking fine and is unsure whether it is legitimate is encouraged to contact Parking Services at (250) 361-0260 before making a payment.
