Support Kit:
Tools to Protect Your City Against Parking Scams
1. Website Banner Template
Add this banner to your city or department’s homepage to warn residents:
Example Text:
“Beware of parking ticket scams! Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid parking fines. Do not click on links or provide personal information. For official parking inquiries, contact [Insert City’s Parking Department Contact Info].”
2. Community Email Template
Send this email to residents to spread awareness:
Subject Line: Protect Yourself: Parking Ticket Scam Alert
Body:
Dear [City/Program Name] Resident,
We want to alert you about a recent parking scam targeting cities nationwide. Scammers send fraudulent text messages claiming you owe parking fines, often using local phone numbers to appear credible.
If you receive such a message:
- Do not click any links.
- Do not provide personal or payment information.
- Verify parking fines through our official website or call [Insert Contact Info].
Let’s stay vigilant and protect our community. If you have any questions, please contact [Contact Info].
Thank you,
[City Name/Program Director]
3. Social Media Post Templates
Use these posts on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn:
Option 1:
🚨 SCAM ALERT 🚨
A fraudulent parking ticket scam is circulating, targeting residents in [City Name]. If you receive a text claiming you owe parking fines, don’t click any links! Verify directly through [Official Website/Contact Info]. Protect yourself and your information.
Option 2:
📢 Attention [City Name] Residents:
Scammers are texting fake parking fine notices. Stay safe—verify tickets through our official website [Insert Website Link] or call [Insert Contact Info].
4. FAQ Additions for Your Website
Expand your parking or transportation program’s FAQ section:
Q: What should I do if I receive a suspicious text about a parking fine?
A: If you receive a text claiming you owe a parking fine:
- Do not click any links in the text message.
- Do not share any personal or payment information.
- Verify the fine through our official website or contact our parking department directly at [Insert Contact Info].
5. Press Release Template for Media Outreach
Issue a press release to local media outlets:
Headline: [City Name] Warns Residents About Parking Ticket Scam
Body:
[City Name] officials are warning residents about a new scam targeting parking customers across the country. Fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid parking fines have been circulating, using local phone numbers to appear legitimate. Residents are advised not to click any links or provide personal information.
For official information about parking fines, visit [Website Link] or contact [Insert Contact Info].
By proactively sharing this information, you’ll protect your community and help other cities avoid falling victim to this costly and harmful scam. Let’s work together to stop these bad actors.
Additional steps customers can take or look for are:
- Verify outstanding citations through the city’s parking portal. By entering a license plate number, users can view all citations, see related photographs, and either appeal or pay charges directly through the secure online system.
- Cities will only use official methods to notify residents of parking citation charges. This includes a physical citation on the windshield and letters via USPS if the citation is unpaid.
- Cities will never send payment links via text message or request payment through unofficial channels.