Traffic and Parking Ticket Scams: Avoid Falling Victim to a Fake Ticket

Traffic and parking ticket scam types

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of a traffic ticket scam is to be aware of the different types of scams out there.

QR codes

Some scammers are placing QR code stickers on parking meters and payment machines. These stickers ask users to pay their parking fee online after scanning the code. 

Many users fall prey to this scheme because they’re expecting to have to pay a fee. Also, a few legitimate parking authorities sometimes use QR codes on their meters and machines.

After a user scans the code, they aren’t directed to the real parking website to pay their fee. Instead, they’re diverted to a scam site where the scammer steals the user’s credit or debit card information. The site might also upload malware onto the user’s phone.

QR codes are also being used on fake parking or traffic tickets left on people’s windshields. Once scanned, they work in the same way as QR codes on parking meters.

Fake paper tickets

Fake parking ticket scams and traffic ticket scams can work in one of several ways: 

• They involve a scammer mailing an official-looking document to the victim’s home address. 
• The scammer places a fake ticket under the windshield wiper of the victim’s vehicle.

The document then directs the victim to pay their ticket electronically by either scanning a QR code or providing a link to the scammer’s website. From there, the victim provides their payment information. These sites may also install malicious software onto the victim’s smartphone.

Phishing texts and DMV scam texts

Another popular strategy is for fraudsters to send scam texts to their intended victims. These ticket text messages will claim the recipient broke the law and demand they pay by clicking on the included link.

The link may also enable the scammer to steal personal information from the victim and/or install malware onto their phones.

These DMV scam texts often appear to come from government authorities. Scammers love using scam texts because they can target so many people so quickly.

Phishing emails

These work the same way as traffic and parking ticket scam text messages. But instead of sending mass text messages to intended victims, the scammer sends mass emails. 

Phishing emails are sometimes more effective because emails can seem more real.

Scam calls and robocalls

Knowing how some people tend to ignore text messages or emails, some scammers will call their victims instead. The con artists will often resort to making threats about arresting the potential victim if they don’t immediately pay over the phone.

In an attempt to save their time and money, some scammers will use robocallers. They aren’t as convincing as human callers, but the scammer can reach far more potential victims this way.

It should be noted that many scam callers target the elderly. One way to help protect against elder fraud (and traffic ticket fraud) is to contact the parking or traffic authority directly. A real government employee can then confirm whether it’s real or not.

Ways to identify fake tickets

Traffic and parking scams are common, but they’re not always easy to spot. The trick is to know what strategies and tactics scammers use. Once you’re familiar with them, they’re much easier to avoid.

Locations you don’t recognize

If you get a letter, text, call, or email about a ticket, pay close attention to where the alleged violation occurred. These fake tickets will usually reference a generic location. Scammers hope this location will apply to as many victims as possible.

In many cases, the location mentioned in the fake ticket won’t match your location on the date and time of the alleged violation. If the ticket claims you broke the law at a place or time you weren’t present, it could be a scam (but if you share a vehicle, check with others who use it).

Unusual payment methods

Many parking and traffic enforcement authorities take multiple forms of payment, such as checks, debit card, or credit card. However, they do not take untraceable forms of payment, such as cryptocurrency, money orders, or gift cards. 

It’s possible to pay for some real traffic or parking tickets with cash, but this will always be in-person at an official office.

Incomplete or incorrect tickets

If the ticket is missing key information, such as the make, model, or license plate number of your vehicle, then it’s probably fake. And if a fake ticket includes this information, it may incorrectly state some or all of the vehicle information.

The fake ticket might also be missing other information. For example, it might be missing:

• The date and time of the alleged violation;
• The issuing agency’s name; and/or 
• A citation or ticket number. 

Text or email with no physical ticket

Cities, towns, and other municipalities don’t text or email tickets to drivers. Instead, they’ll either leave the ticket with the vehicle or mail it to the driver’s address on file with the state’s department of motor vehicles.

Using an unofficial app or website

Traffic and parking tickets can often be paid online. However, drivers should avoid using unofficial apps or websites to do so.

This can be a bit confusing, as it’s possible that a traffic or parking authority uses a third-party payment processor. In this case, the official government website will identify this third-party and provide a legitimate link for users to use.

Six things to help you avoid falling victim to a traffic ticket scam

Have you received a letter, text, email, or phone call claiming you have an unpaid traffic or parking ticket? Here are six things you can do if you’re suspicious of the communication.

1. Read the ticket carefully

When reviewing the ticket’s information, ask yourself if it makes sense. For instance, were you at the location reported? Were you even driving at that time? Pausing and investigating the situation can help you avoid falling prey to a scammer’s trap.

Also, use common sense when reviewing the details of the alleged “incident.” For example, the ticket might state the alleged violation occurred on “February 29th” even though that year wasn’t a leap year.

2. Call the city

When in doubt, it never hurts to go straight to the source of the ticket. When figuring out where to go and who to call, don’t use the number or address (if any) provided on the ticket. Instead, do a quick search online to find your city’s official police or parking department website. Then dial the number listed to confirm the ticket’s validity.

3. Don’t click on any links

Never, ever click on a link sent to you via text or email concerning a traffic or parking ticket. Fake tickets or fraudulent messages will contain scam links. If you click on them, scammers can access your personal information. With that information, they can potentially steal your money or even your identity.

4. Don’t give out your personal info

You might need to provide your personal information when paying for a real ticket online or in-person. However, you should only do so after verifying the website or app you’re using. Also, remember that legitimate law and parking enforcement won’t ask you to give banking or personal information over the phone.

5. Ensure you’re paying tickets on an official website

Only pay tickets on websites that begin with HTTPS. The “s” signifies the website is secure and should be included in any website that requires a monetary purchase.

Also, only interact with official parking, traffic, or law enforcement websites. You can usually find these using a simple online search. Don’t assume the link provided in the suspicious communication will send you to the real government website.

6. Get legal support

If you’re still uncertain about what to do, it doesn’t hurt to ask for help. LegalShield plans include support for moving violations, and if you have questions about parking tickets, you may be able to get help through an added discounted service.

With a LegalShield plan, you get access to a provider lawyer for a variety of legal questions and concerns. LegalShield even has an app to send a picture of a moving violation ticket for examination by a provider law firm. A provider lawyer can also explain your consumer rights and provide guidance on protecting yourself as a consumer from other scamming attempts.

Learn more about our legal plans here and how we can support your legal needs! 

Combat traffic ticket scammers

Getting a surprise letter or message about a ticket violation can be confusing.  If you’ve received a phone call, email, or text message about a traffic or parking ticket, it’s possible you’re a potential victim of a traffic or parking ticket scam. 

Given how sophisticated scammers are getting, it doesn’t hurt to get legal help when facing a traffic ticket problem. LegalShield has several personal plans that allow users to ask legal questions, including traffic and parking violations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a parking ticket is real?

You can look for several signs that it might be fake. Some of these include:

• Incorrect information about you or the date of the alleged violation;
• Requests for payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency; and/or
• The ticket is missing key information, like your license plate number or the make and model of your vehicle.

Can you receive a parking ticket via text message?

No, as real parking tickets are either placed on the windshield of the vehicle or mailed to the driver. If a text message about a parking ticket is somehow real (and it’s unlikely), it will only be a notification about a ticket and not the ticket itself.

Can a scammer do anything if I reply to a text?

They probably can’t steal your identity, assuming you don’t reveal personal information in your response. Despite this, responding to the text is still helpful to them. Responding tells the scammer they have a real phone number belonging to a real person. Even if they fail to trick you with their scam, they can sell your number to someone else who might try.

What are common scammer phrases?

Scammers understand that knowledge is power and the more time that passes after they contact you, the more time you have to figure out what they’re up to. Therefore, it’s a common tactic for scammers to rush you into deciding what to do.

For instance, the scammer might tell you that you need to “act immediately” to pay your ticket. Or they might say that “you don’t need to talk to a lawyer.” Scammers may also ask for strange forms of payment, such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money orders.

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