The City of Saint John has issued an urgent warning regarding a new scam targeting local residents. City officials report receiving multiple calls from individuals who received text messages claiming they owe payment for an overdue parking ticket.

These fraudulent messages include a link directing recipients to a payment page. The City of Saint John explicitly states that these text messages are not from them. Officials confirmed that the City does not notify the public of fines or infractions through text messages or social media platforms.

How to Spot the Scam

If you receive a text message demanding payment for a parking violation, do not click the link and do not provide any payment details. Scammers design these messages to look urgent to trick you into acting quickly without verifying the source.

The City advises residents to report these messages to their cellphone provider and delete them immediately.

Legitimate Notification Methods

It is important to know how the City actually communicates regarding parking violations. The City of Saint John will only notify you of a parking ticket in two ways:

• Serving a physical ticket directly on your vehicle.
• Mailing a late notice of outstanding tickets to the registered owner of the vehicle.

If you have not received a physical ticket or an official letter in the mail, a text message claiming you owe money is a scam.

What to Do if You Are Unsure

If you are concerned about the status of a potential parking ticket or want to verify if a communication is legitimate, you should contact the City directly rather than using links provided in unsolicited messages.

You can reach Customer Service at (506) 658-4455, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or email inquiries to payment@saintjohn.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the City of Saint John ever send text messages for parking fines?
No. The City does not use text messages or social media to notify the public of fines.

How do I know if a parking ticket is real?
Real parking tickets are either placed physically on your vehicle or sent via mail to the registered owner in the form of a late notice.

What should I do if I clicked the link in the text message?
If you clicked the link or provided payment information, contact your financial institution immediately to report potential fraud and secure your accounts.