DETROIT – Have you received a text saying you have an unpaid parking fee in Detroit? If so, don’t panic. The city of Detroit has warned that such messages are part of an ongoing scam targeting drivers.
The city’s warning, issued on Thursday, tells residents that text messages about unpaid parking fees are not legitimate.
These fake messages look like they come from the city, and they often include a graphic from the official Park Detroit app. However, city officials say these messages are fake, and the city will never reach out to drivers about unpaid parking fees through text messages.
Instead, if you owe any parking fees, you will receive an official notice from the Municipal Parking Department in the mail. This is the only legitimate way the city contacts drivers about unpaid parking tickets.
The fake texts also feature a website link that looks similar to the city’s real website but is incorrect. The city’s official website is detroitmi.gov, not the website in these scam texts.
Additionally, the phone numbers in these messages have area codes that are not from the Detroit area, which is another sign that the message is a scam.
If you receive one of these suspicious text messages, the city advises you to ignore it and delete it immediately. Do not click any links or share any personal information with the sender.
To avoid falling for such scams, the city offers several tips to keep you safe:
First, always be skeptical of messages or calls that ask for money or personal information. If you’re unsure about the message’s authenticity, take a moment to verify the sender’s identity before responding.
Second, protect your personal information. Never share sensitive data like your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords over the phone or online unless you are certain that the request is from a trusted source.
Third, avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially in emails. These links could lead to websites designed to steal your personal information or install viruses on your devices.
Another useful tip is to register for the National Do Not Call Registry. You can do this by calling 1-888-382-1222 or visiting www.donotcall.gov. This will help reduce unwanted calls and messages.
You can also block numbers that seem suspicious on your phone. If you’re unsure of a call, don’t pick up, and consider silencing junk or unknown callers. Blocking spam numbers is an easy way to avoid falling victim to these types of scams.
If you think you’ve been scammed, or if you spot a potential scam, report it immediately. You can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission by visiting ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-382-4357.
The quicker you report a scam, the better chance authorities have to investigate and stop the fraud from spreading.
In conclusion, if you get a message about an unpaid parking fee in Detroit, it’s a scam. The city will never contact you this way, so be cautious and protect your personal information.
Ignoring suspicious messages, blocking scam numbers, and reporting fraud can help keep you safe from these types of scams. Stay vigilant and share this information with others to prevent more people from falling victim to these tricks.
Remember, Detroit residents should always rely on official communications from the Municipal Parking Department for parking-related matters, not text messages or calls from unknown sources.
By staying informed and following these simple steps, you can avoid scams and ensure that your personal information remains safe.
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