LA-DOT Parking Text Scam!

Lately, a new scam is making its way around Los Angeles. People are getting fake text messages claiming they owe parking fines. The message might say something like, “Your car has an unpaid parking ticket in Los Angeles. Pay now to avoid a $35 late fee. Total due: $415.”

It includes a link, such as ladot-park.com, asking you to pay. At first glance, it might seem real, but it’s a scam designed to steal your money and personal information.

What is the LA-DOT Parking Text Scam?

This scam tricks people into thinking they owe parking fines. The messages create urgency, making you feel like you need to act quickly. They often come from strange or unverified phone numbers.

The links in these texts, like ladot-park.com, look similar to real websites like ladotparking.org, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation’s official site.

When you click the fake link, it takes you to a page asking for personal and payment details. Scammers use this to steal your identity or money. They count on people acting fast without thinking, especially when threatened with extra fees.

Legitimate organizations, like LADOT, don’t send texts like this. They use formal letters or secure emails. Similar scams have also targeted other services, like USPS or Metro Express Lanes, leading these agencies to warn the public about fake messages.

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This scam is troubling because it preys on people who trust the message without questioning it. The texts use urgency, like threatening late fees, to push you into clicking the link.

One major clue that it’s fake is how the dollar sign appears after the amount instead of before it. In the U.S., the dollar sign always comes first. Scammers also make small mistakes in grammar or spelling, which can signal the message isn’t real.

The fake websites are another problem. They may look professional and use logos or layouts like real ones, but small details can give them away. Always double-check website addresses to avoid being tricked.

If you get a text like this, don’t click the link. Instead, visit the official LADOT website or call their customer service to confirm if the claim is real.

Many people on forums, like Reddit, have shared stories about getting these texts even if they don’t live in LA or own a car. This shows the scam is entirely fake.

By staying alert and sharing warnings, you can help stop this scam from hurting others.

What to Do If You’re Scammed

If you’ve clicked the link or shared your information, take these steps immediately:

• Call Your Bank: Let them know about the scam and watch your account for strange activity. You might need to freeze your account.
• Change Passwords: Update your passwords, especially for accounts connected to your bank or credit card.
• Report It: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and inform LADOT about the scam.
• Check Your Credit: Use a credit monitoring service to catch any unauthorized activity.
• Learn More: Educate yourself about common scams to avoid falling for them in the future.

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