JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s frustrating! You come out to your car and find a parking ticket on your windshield. But before you pay that fine, check to make sure the ticket is legitimate.
There are a number of parking ticket scams going around designed to get your personal info.
Here’s how it works and how you can spot a fake parking ticket.
The Better Business Bureau is warning drivers after a string of reports about fake parking tickets. Scammers use hand-held printers to make a fake ticket and leave it on your car’s windshield. The BBB said they can get elaborate, with some scammers even using QR codes.
If you follow the instructions, you’ll end up paying a fine you don’t actually owe and giving away your personal information.
Before visiting a new place, the Better Business Bureau recommends researching available parking and parking requirements. If you get a citation — look at it carefully. Scammers can imitate logos and city office names.
Do an internet search for the city’s official parking ticket websites and compare what you find.
Next, double-check to who the ticket needs to be paid. Checks should be made to a specific organization and not a string of initials or personal names.
Another way to protect yourself — pay with a credit card. That makes it easier to dispute fraudulent charges.