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.
Deep Ellum parking is already stressful enough without scammers adding fake tickets to the mix. Report these to DPD.