In This Issue

Scam of the Week : Fake Parking Ticket Texts

This one just hit yesterday.

Police departments across Rhode Island are warning residents about phony text messages claiming you have an unpaid parking violation. The text looks official. It names a specific parking ordinance. It even threatens a court hearing.

Then it asks you to scan a QR code to "resolve the matter."

Don't do it.

Providence Police made it clear: they will never request payment through a text message or phone call. Same goes for departments in Bristol, Warwick, and Westerly.

If you get one of these, delete it immediately. Don't click any links. And if you're ever unsure about a real parking ticket, call your local police department directly.

RED FLAG DECODER
🚩 The QR Code Trap

QR codes are everywhere now. Menus. Parking meters. Event tickets.

Scammers know this. And they're using it against us.

Here's the pattern: you get a text, email, or even a sticker on a parking meter with a QR code. You scan it thinking you're paying a bill or verifying something. Instead, you land on a fake site designed to steal your payment info.

The rule is simple. If you didn't expect it, don't scan it.

MARKETPLACE SCAM ALERT
March Madness Betting Scams

Tournament season is here. And so are the fake betting sites.

With an estimated $3.1 billion being wagered on this year's games, cybersecurity experts are calling it "peak season for scams." Criminals are setting up fake sports betting websites and apps that look completely legit.

You place a bet. You "win." But when you try to cash out? The site disappears. So does your money.

Red flags to watch: unusually high bonus offers, promises of guaranteed winnings, and platforms that only accept crypto with no credit card option.

Stick to well-known, licensed sportsbooks. If you see it advertised on TV, it's probably real. If someone sends you a link through a text or DM, it's probably not.

INBOX DANGER ZONE
St. Patrick's Day "Lucky" Emails

'Tis the season for pot-of-gold phishing.

Scammers love holidays. And St. Patrick's Day is no exception. Watch for emails claiming you've won an "Irish lottery" or sweepstakes. They'll ask for your personal information to "claim your prize" or require a small "processing fee."

You can't win a lottery you didn't enter. And real lotteries don't email random people to tell them they've won.

Delete and move on.

What to do this Week

  • If you get a text about a parking ticket or toll violation: Delete it. Don't click any links or scan any QR codes. If you're worried it might be real, call your local police department or court directly using a number you find yourself.

  • Before scanning any QR code: Ask yourself: did I expect this? If it came through a text, email, or random sticker, skip it. Go directly to the official website instead.

  • If you're betting on March Madness: Stick to sportsbooks you've heard of and can verify. Ignore DMs, texts, or emails promising "insider tips" or guaranteed wins. If a site only takes crypto, walk away.

  • If you get a "lucky" email about a prize or lottery: Delete it. You can't win something you didn't enter. And no legitimate lottery asks for fees upfront.

  • When in doubt: Forward any suspicious email to [email protected] and get your Trust Signal back in minutes. ScamRank Plus members get unlimited scans, full explanations, and saved history for just $7/month.

    One quick check can save a lot of headaches.

Until next week,
The ScamBrief Team

ScamBrief is part of the Echo Safe family | Helping families stay ahead of scams | echosafe.co

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