DETROIT – Did you get a text message that says you have an unpaid parking fee in Detroit?
If you did, you can ignore it, as it’s part of a scam targeting motorists.
The city of Detroit issued a warning Thursday about this ongoing scam that is asking motorists to pay a fee for unpaid parking invoices.
It looks like a text coming from the city, with a graphic taken from the city’s actual Park Detroit app, but it’s not, and officials say they will never contact anyone about unpaid parking over text. People will receive a notice from the Municipal Parking Department in the mail regarding unpaid parking fees.
In addition, the text includes a website address similar to the city’s, but it is incorrect. The city’s website is detroitmi.gov.
The text message also contains a phone number that has an area code outside of the Detroit area.
If a driver receives one of these messages, they should ignore it and delete it.
The city shared the following tips to avoid being scammed:
- Be skeptical: Question individuals who ask for money or attempt to sell you something, and verify their identity.
- Protect your personal information: Don’t share personal information, like your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords, over the phone or the internet.
- Don’t click on links in suspicious emails: Links in suspicious emails may contain viruses that can contaminate your computer.
- Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: You can register by calling 1-888-382-1222 or visiting www.donotcall.gov.
- Block spam numbers: Block spam numbers on your phone and silence unknown or junk callers.
- Report scams: If you’re scammed or think you’ve seen a scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-382-4357.
