Cars & Driving · New York City
NYC parking-ticket scam alerts belong in the glove box
NYC drivers should use Finance’s official parking-ticket services page before responding to a text, QR code, or payment demand.
Published June 24, 2026 · Last verified June 24, 2026
Fake payment messages can turn a normal ticket into a fraud problem. NYC Finance’s parking-ticket services page is the official route for parking tickets and camera violations, and it warns that scammers have sent fake notices demanding payment. If a driver gets a text, QR code, email, or urgent message about a violation, do not click early.
Go directly to NYC Finance, search through the official service, and match the plate or violation number. If the ticket is real, pay or dispute there. If it is not, keep the message as evidence and avoid sending personal or payment information.
Keep the suspicious message, plate, and violation number, but do not send payment information through the message. Open NYC Finance directly and compare the official record. If the violation is real, pay or dispute it there and save the confirmation.