Detroit Municipal Parking Department Alerts Motorists to Scam Text Messages
The City of Detroit is alerting motorists to a scam asking for payment for unpaid parking invoices. Although the text looks like it is coming from the City of Detroit, it is not.
Motorists can determine that the message is a scam for the following reasons:
- Motorists with unpaid parking fees will receive notice from the Municipal Parking Department via U.S. mail, not through text message.
- The web address of Detroit-mi.com in the text message is similar to the City’s website, but incorrect. The City’s web address is detroitmi.gov.
- The phone number – (438) 402-1962 – is not from the Detroit area.
- The text message also contains graphics that are taken from the City’s actual parking app, Park Detroit.
Motorists, who receive this text message or any similar message, should ignore the message and delete it.
The City's Department of Innovation and Technology also offered these 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.
The scam text message image is below.
