News

Community First Bank would like to make you aware of an unusual type of scam involving parking tickets. If you ever find what looks like a parking ticket stuck under your windshield wiper, it’s wise to take a moment to examine it. While it may seem legitimate at first glance, scammers are increasingly using fake parking tickets to steal personal or financial information.

Here’s how the scam works: A ticket is placed on your car, directing you to scan a QR code, visit a website, or call a phone number to pay a fine. It might appear official, but it is cleverly designed to capture your credit card details or personal information. In rare cases, the scammers may try to contact you by phone to pressure you into paying the fake fine.

Here are some ways to protect yourself:

• Examine the ticket carefully.
  Look for typos, generic wording, or poor-quality printing—all red flags of a fake ticket.
• Avoid scanning QR codes.
  Scammers often use QR codes to direct you to fraudulent payment pages.
• Verify with local authorities.
  If you’re unsure, contact your city’s parking enforcement office before paying anything.
• Don’t rush to pay.
  Scammers rely on a sense of urgency. Take a moment to assess the situation.

At Community First Bank, your safety and financial security matter to us. Stay vigilant against scams, and if you suspect you’ve been targeted, report it to local authorities immediately. As always, if you have a question or concern, never hesitate to reach out to us.