Beware Of Parking Scam Targeting Minneapolis Drivers, City Public Works Warns

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minneapolis Public Works Department is warning drivers of a scam targeting people searching for the official "MPLS Parking app."

This does not impact people already using the MPLS Parking app, officials noted.

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. City officials said they have taken action and reported four of these fraudulent advertisements to the search engine they’re sponsored on.

The city of Minneapolis encourages the community "to use caution when browsing the internet" and provides the following tips:

• Download the true Minneapolis Parking app directly from your phone’s app store
  • iPhone app store
  • Google Play store
• Use the web app in your browser: https://mpls.flowbirdapp.com/
• 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 the city's website.