Vernon residents are being warned of phoney tickets.
The city reports that it has received complaints about an official looking e-mail stating that the individual owes money to a municipality or a contractor for a parking ticket.
“The e-mail includes a fine amount, options to pay by credit card and links to photos claimed to have been taken by a bylaw officer,” said Clint Kanester, protective services manager.
“Municipalities do not send out e-mails for payment in this manner.”
Besides sending money to a scammer, other issues could exist with these e-mails.
“Clicking on the link may download a virus or malware that can you’re your computer or records, putting your personal information at greater risk,” said Kanester.
“A good way to determine if an e-mail is false is to hover your mouse pointer over the e-mail address or the link to payment or photo sites. You should never click on a link without knowing exactly where it is going.”
To report a suspicious e-mail, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca