If you parked in Deep Ellum recently and found an official-looking parking ticket on your windshield with a QR code to "pay your fine" — it's a scam.
What they look like:
- Yellow paper, looks like a real citation
- References "City of Dallas Parking Authority" (not a real entity)
- Lists a fine of $75-150
- Includes a QR code that leads to a payment page
- The payment page asks for credit card info
How to tell it's fake:
- Real Dallas parking tickets come from "Dallas City Marshal" and have a case number
- Real tickets can only be paid at dallascityhall.com or by mail
- Real tickets never have QR codes
- The paper quality is off — real tickets are on heavier stock
What to do if you scanned one:
- If you entered payment info, call your bank NOW and freeze the card
- File a report with DPD: 214-671-4268
- Report the QR code URL to Google Safe Browsing
Source: Dallas Police Department crime prevention unit, multiple reports on r/Dallas
Photos of the fake tickets are circulating on social media. Do not pay them.
The fake tickets are getting really good. Side by side with a real one, the font is slightly different but you would not notice unless looking.