Safer Internet Day: What to remember about parking-related phishing scams

If you're concerned or conscious about online scams and parking-related phishing or feel overwhelmed when trying to keep up with the latest cyber threat, you're not alone. In today's fast-paced, digital-first world, parking has evolved beyond coins in a pay machine. Technology has transformed how we park vehicles in and around our communities, from contactless payments to mobile apps. As our world continues to evolve, so do the risks we face. While these parking innovations are convenient, they have also opened the door to new threats—phishing scams.

At Calgary Parking, we take cyber threats seriously. Our top priority is keeping our customers safe—not just when parking their vehicles but also when paying for parking online. We are committed to making sure your parking experience is convenient, affordable and safe. Parking may seem like an ordinary part of your day, but as we integrate more digital services like mobile parking apps and online payment options, we must all stay vigilant against cyber threats.

Parking-related phishing scams involve attackers posing as legitimate organizations to trick people into sharing personal information or making unnecessary payments. These scams often use fake e-mails or text messages claiming unpaid parking fees, with links to fraudulent payment portals that look real. They rely on urgent messages like “final notice” or “payment due now” to prompt quick action without verification. This growing threat can have costly consequences, threatening your identity and finances. As hackers become more convincing, staying informed about these scams and protecting your personal and financial information is crucial.

We understand that protecting your personal and financial information is as important as providing a safe parking spot. With hackers becoming more convincing every day, it is important that you become aware of cybersecurity threats and stay informed about parking scams.

Cyber security in the parking industry is no longer a future consideration—it's a current necessity. At Calgary Parking, we work every day to combat these scams and make sure that parking in our city is safe for everyone. Our approach includes collaborating with IT experts, implementing IT measures like regular software updates and staying ahead of the latest trends in digital threats. We also offer relevant links on our official website and the MyParking App. Other ways to make payments can be found here.

Of all the resources Calgary Parking uses to combat phishing attacks, awareness and education are the most critical safeguards in protecting Calgarians from parking scams, phishing and other cyber threats. Our position is clear: Education is key to prevention. We use newsletters, website banners, and our social media pages on Instagram, Facebook and X to help our customers stay informed about ongoing scams we're aware of. Relevant protective tips are also provided regularly across all Calgary Parking platforms to help Calgarians know what to look out for and what the best defence is when taking action against parking scams.

As Calgary Parking recognizes Safer Internet Day this year, we remain committed to promoting the safe and positive use of digital technology, by strengthening our security measures and raising awareness so you stay alert and informed. We are dedicated to making sure you have a secure digital experience when making online parking payments so you and your loved ones can focus on getting around and connecting with the people and places you care about across the city.