Vancouver warns visitors about spike in parking scams
The City of Vancouver is issuing a warning to residents as well as visitors after an increase in attempted parking scams.
The City says that there has been a spike in fraudulent text messages that claim to be related to outstanding parking payments. It also says that it has received reports of scam text messages claiming that people have overdue parking tickets, requesting immediate payment.
“The City does not notify individuals of parking fines through SMS text messages or social media,” it said in a statement.
Instead, the City’s official notification methods are either a parking ticket directly issued to the vehicle or a mailed notice sent to the registered vehicle owner.
If you do receive a scam text regarding an overdue ticket, the City advises not to click on any links or provide any personal info. It also suggests reporting the message to your mobile service provider before deleting it.
Additionally, last winter, the City issued a warning about parking QR codes. It appears it’s happening again.
The City says that fraudulent QR code stickers are being placed on parking meters and pay stations, which is particularly problematic right now with so many visitors and tourists in town for the FIFA World Cup.
Vancouver does not use QR codes for parking payments. These fraudulent QR codes direct drivers to fake payment websites that mimic legitimate ones like PayByPhone.
You can report suspicious QR codes via Van311, and the City says they’ll be removed promptly.
The City adds that it “continues to monitor reported scams and take action where possible to reduce public risk.”
Speaking of parking, it’s going to be a wildly busy day in downtown Vancouver, and the City is advising residents and visitors alike about road closures in the area.
⚠️ ⚽ TRAFFIC ALERT: Downtown road closures
📍 Granville St closed between Davie St and Georgia St for Granville St Pedestrian Zone 🕐 Ongoing until late July
1/2#VanTraffic pic.twitter.com/vXWJsDONQm— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) June 18, 2026