It didn’t take long after the arrival of the automobile for unscrupulous individuals to find ways to scam drivers—and more than a century later, they’re still at it. From unpaid toll scams to parking ticket scams that target unsuspecting drivers, here’s what every driver needs to know.
Unpaid toll scams
For some time now, people have been getting fraudulent text messages and emails saying they owe money for an unpaid toll or violation that must be addressed immediately. To create urgency, the message often threatens to suspend the vehicle’s registration or even the driver’s license unless payment is made right away.
If you receive one of these messages, do not provide any personal information, open attachments, click on links, or send any money. Instead, verify whether the claim is legitimate by contacting the agency allegedly demanding payment, either through its official website or by phone. Do not use any telephone numbers, email addresses, or links included in the message itself; obtain contact information from a trusted, independent source.
Once you’ve verified the message is fraudulent, report the scam to the appropriate authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your state’s attorney general, and the agency being impersonated.
Parking ticket scams
You park where you believe it’s legal, but when you return, there’s a ticket under the wiper. It looks real, with official-looking images and language, and provides a way to pay the fine. The problem is that the ticket is a fake, crafted to take your money and steal your credit card information. Verify before you pay. You can do this by contacting the local parking authority directly or checking the citation number on the parking authority’s official website—not through any link or QR code on the ticket.
Gas pump scams
Another scam involves thieves surreptitiously installing small, illicit credit or debit card readers over legitimate payment readers at self-service gas pumps. These phony “skimmers” capture your credit card information when you pay.
To reduce your risk, avoid card readers that are loose or don’t line up properly with the pump opening. If you must enter a PIN (personal identification number), shield the keypad with your hand or another object, as thieves sometimes install hidden cameras aimed at the keypad.
For added protection, use pumps located close to the attendant and monitor your account regularly, reporting any suspicious charges immediately.
Car infotainment data theft
Limit the personal information you input into your car’s infotainment system. Although it’s convenient to sync contacts, addresses, call logs, and even messages to your car’s infotainment system, that convenience comes with risks. If you use valet parking or drop your car off for service, anyone with access to the vehicle may also have access to that personal data.
To reduce exposure, only store what you truly need, review privacy settings regularly, and delete personal information before handing your car over to someone else—especially if the vehicle will be out of your sight.
Old-school roadside cons
Some scammers rely on old-fashioned tricks that don’t need technology. One common tactic: They sabotage your car while it is parked—such as loosening a tire’s air valve—and then follow you when you return and drive away, knowing that you won’t get far. When you stop to address the issue, they will appear, playing the Good Samaritan and offering to “help” you—for a fee.
To protect yourself, park in well-lit, highly visible spaces and always check your car before driving. If you notice a problem, call professional road service right there; don’t accept help from strangers.
Another low-tech scam involves illicit towing operations. After an accident or breakdown, an unlicensed tow truck may arrive quickly, tow your car for an inflated fee, and take it to a lot that makes recovery difficult.
Always confirm that a tow truck is dispatched by AAA, your insurance company, or another trusted source before allowing your car to be moved.
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Whether it’s an unpaid toll scam, a parking ticket scam, or a roadside con, scammers often strike while you’re off balance—after an accident or breakdown or by impersonating a governmental agency demanding immediate payment to avoid legal action. Knowing the signs of these scams and staying vigilant is your best defense against fraudsters.