As the Detroit Auto Show shifts into high gear, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issues a warning about clever parking scams targeting attendees. According to Nessel, unsuspecting car owners might be lured into parking on lots by fraudulent operators claiming authority they don't possess, potentially leading to vehicles being ticketed, towed, or worse, stolen. In a statement made by the Michigan Department of Attorney General, she urges that "planning your parking ahead of time is the best way to avoid parking scams."
The event is a beacon for automotive enthusiasts, but this high traffic could be a perfect storm for con artists. SpotHero is recommended by the Detroit Auto Show for advanced parking reservations to ensure a legitimate spot and peace of mind. Nessel further advises looking for signs of official valet services and always obtaining a receipt or a parking ticket upon payment, as she reminds visitors to never hand over their car keys to an attendant unless they are certain of the valet service's legitimacy.
Complicating matters, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) chimes in with a warning about another deceptive maneuver involving the issuance of fake parking tickets, which are easily crafted to look authentic thanks to modern technology. These sham citations often direct folks to pay through a phony website or by scanning a QR code. The Attorney General recommends that residents double-check by visiting the municipality's official website directly, or by calling the court to confirm the ticket's validity prior to following any links or scanning codes provided.
The BBB also suggests that before arriving in new territories, it's wise to familiarize yourself with local parking options and requirements. This is because tourists, especially those with out-of-state plates, are often targeted due to their unfamiliarity with local ordinances. Upon receiving a citation, they advise examining the ticket with a keen eye for discrepancies and validating that payment is made to a legitimate government entity, not just a string of initials, or worse, a personal name.
