- Authorities say scammers are using a new tactic to trick unsuspecting victims into paying money.
- Criminals send text messages requesting payment for fake parking tickets that don’t actually exist.
- This scam isn’t unlike other ones we’ve seen with physical parking tickets that are also fake.
Scammers are nothing if not innovative. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, they come up with new ways to part you from your cash. They’ve gone from working in person to using sophisticated digital methods, and now, they’ve decided to mix the old tricks with new technology.
Authorities are warning drivers that scammers are sending texts about unpaid tolls or parking tickets. If you receive one of these messages, here’s how to avoid getting scammed.
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At first glance, these scams don’t look too sinister. You receive a message claiming you have an unpaid bill. In some cases, it focuses on a parking ticket. In others, it references an unpaid toll or other municipal fine or fee. The scammer might even include the amount you supposedly owe, which often seems small – just a few bucks here and there. It’s a tactic designed to make you think “This isn’t worth fighting over”. And that’s exactly what they’re hoping for.
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In one example, the Illinois State Police reported a message where the texter threatened to issue an additional charge of $75.90 if the recipient didn’t pay the $7.59 balance. It’s easy to see why someone would rush to pay such a bill if it was legitimate. That’s what scammers are hoping on when they send that sort of message.
The Simple Steps to Avoid Getting Scammed
Thankfully, the solution here is the same regardless of what sort of message one might get. First, don’t respond at all. Don’t send any messages back at all. Next, block the number, and finally, delete the text. r. If you want to take things a step further, you can report the message and phone number to the FTC to help prevent future scams.
Should you be concerned that you really do owe a government agency, contact the specific agency directly. Verify everything in the message before sending any money anywhere. And remember, many government agencies make it clear online that they do not contact people via text for payment requests.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time we’ve seen something like this. Last year, scammers were actively placing physical parking tickets on cars across the country. The tickets sometimes looked genuine and other times didn’t. Ultimately, the payment options on those tickets led to portals where victims could send money if they weren’t suspicious enough.