Boston Police Warn of Fake Parking Ticket Scam

Fraudulent notices designed to look like official government documents

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a parking meter coin slot, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A close examination of the physical evidence reveals the deceptive nature of these fraudulent parking violation notices.Boston Today

The Boston Police Department is alerting residents about an increase in scams involving fake parking violation notices that are designed to appear as official government documents from the City of Boston or local courts. These fraudulent notices may include case numbers, judge signatures, court addresses, hearing dates, official seals, and QR codes or payment links.

Why it matters

Residents should be cautious of any unsolicited parking-related notice that requests payment, as these scams are intended to trick people into providing personal information or making fraudulent payments. Verifying the legitimacy of any parking violation notice through official city channels is crucial to avoid falling victim to this type of fraud.

The details

The fraudulent notices may closely resemble legitimate correspondence from the City of Boston or local courts, including details like case numbers, judge names and signatures, court addresses, hearing dates, official seals, and QR codes or payment links. Residents are advised not to scan any QR codes or submit any payments based on an unsolicited notice without first verifying its legitimacy through the City of Boston's official parking page.

  • The Boston Police Department issued the community alert on April 10, 2026.

The players

Boston Police Department

The municipal law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Boston, Massachusetts.

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What’s next

Residents who have received a fraudulent notice or have been victimized are encouraged to report it to the Boston Police Department. For emergencies or active criminal activity, they should call 9-1-1. Community members can also provide anonymous tips through the CrimeStoppers Tip Line by phone, text, or online.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any official-looking documents, especially those related to parking violations or other government services, before taking any action or providing personal information. Staying vigilant and confirming details through official channels can help protect residents from falling victim to these types of fraudulent schemes.