Scammers Sending Phony Parking Tickets and Toll Fees via Text, Beware | Carscoops

      Authorities are cautioning the public against clicking on links sent via text and recommend contacting local parking agencies instead.

      17 hours ago

      by Stephen Rivers

      Officials report that scammers are employing a new strategy to deceive unsuspecting individuals into making payments.

      These criminals are sending texts that demand payment for fictitious parking tickets that do not actually exist.

      This scheme is similar to previous scams involving counterfeit physical parking tickets.

      Scammers consistently display creativity. Just when you think you've seen it all, they devise fresh methods to extract money from you. They have transitioned from in-person scams to sophisticated digital approaches, now blending old tricks with modern technology.

      Authorities are alerting drivers that scammers are sending messages about overdue tolls or parking tickets. If you encounter one of these texts, here’s how to avoid falling victim to the scam.

      Initially, these scams may not seem overly alarming. You receive a notification claiming you have an outstanding bill. Sometimes, it pertains to a parking ticket, while in other instances, it relates to an unpaid toll or other municipal charges. The scammer might even specify the amount owed, which usually appears to be minimal—just a few dollars. This tactic is intended to lead you to think, "This isn't worth disputing." That's precisely their goal.

      For instance, the Illinois State Police reported a case where a text threatened an additional fee of $75.90 if the recipient did not settle a $7.59 balance. It's understandable that someone might hurriedly pay such a bill if they believed it to be legitimate. That’s the reaction scammers are banking on with messages like these.

      Simple Steps to Prevent Being Scammed

      Fortunately, the approach to avoid being scammed remains the same regardless of the type of message received. First, do not reply at all. Avoid sending any responses. Next, block the number and then delete the text. If you wish to take extra measures, consider reporting the message and the phone number to the FTC to help combat future scams.

      ⚠️PHONE SCAM ALERT⚠️ The Illinois State Police are warning the public about a phone scam that is currently happening in Illinois. In the accompanying image, the scammer sends the following text: ***THIS IS NOT FROM THE ILLINOIS TOLLWAY! If you receive this text message, DO… pic.twitter.com/0KZ16Hxg7d

      — IllinoisStatePolice (@ILStatePolice) July 9, 2024

      Great Falls residents should remain vigilant regarding this text scam!📱🚨 Several local individuals have recently received a message regarding their vehicle having an "outstanding toll bill." This is a SCAM and is not originating from the City of Great Falls. Please refrain from clicking on any links in the message. pic.twitter.com/h0oUOiMvBu— City of Great Falls, MT (@City_GreatFalls) February 6, 2025

      If you are concerned that you may actually owe a government entity, reach out directly to the respective agency. Confirm the legitimacy of the message before making any payments. Remember that many government agencies clearly state online that they do not solicit payments through text messages.

      It’s important to note that this isn’t the first occurrence of such scams. Last year, scammers were placing fake parking tickets on vehicles nationwide. These tickets sometimes appeared authentic while other times they did not. Ultimately, the payment methods listed on these tickets directed victims to portals where they could submit funds if they weren't cautious enough.

      Image Credit: FTC