The Minneapolis Public Works Department is warning residents of a scam targeting people searching for the MPLS Parking app. This does not impact people already using the MPLS Parking app.
When using a search engine to find the MPLS Parking app, sponsored advertisements have been discovered that mimic the logo and language used in the official app. If clicked, these ads lead to third-party websites unaffiliated with the City of Minneapolis. These fraudulent websites ask for a credit card to download and use the free app, exposing victims’ card numbers and personal information. The City has taken action and reported four of these fraudulent advertisements to the search engine they’re sponsored on.
The City of Minneapolis encourages our community to use caution when browsing the internet.
TIPS
- Download the true Minneapolis Parking app directly from your phone’s app store
- The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has a phishing guide on their website.
If you believe you’ve been the victim of this scam, immediately contact your bank or credit card company and file a report with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center online at: www.Ic3.gov.
For more information on parking and driving in Minneapolis, visit our website.