Great Lakes Wire

As the Detroit Auto Show attracts numerous visitors, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a warning about potential parking scams targeting attendees. Many visitors opt to park in privately owned lots, but some scammers exploit these events by selling parking spaces without proper authority. This could result in cars being ticketed, towed, or even stolen.

"While it’s important to have fun and experience everything the Detroit Auto Show has to offer, it’s also important to be smart," Nessel stated. "Planning your parking ahead of time and being cautious can help you avoid scammers."

Nessel advises residents to request a receipt or parking ticket upon payment and to avoid handing over car keys unless valet services are confirmed as legitimate with posted signs.

Another prevalent scam involves fake parking tickets. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that technology enables scammers to create authentic-looking tickets, often directing consumers to pay online or via QR codes. Nessel urges residents to verify such tickets through the municipality's website or court before proceeding with any payment instructions.

The BBB provides several tips for avoiding these scams:

- Research available parking options and local requirements before visiting new places.

- Examine citations carefully, as scammers can mimic logos and city office names.

- Double-check the entity and address for check payments; they should typically be made out to specific government organizations.

- Use credit cards for traffic citation payments when possible, as this facilitates contesting fraudulent charges.

The Detroit Auto Show runs until January 20 at Huntington Place in Detroit. For complaints or further information, contact the Consumer Protection Team at P.O. Box 30213, Lansing, MI 48909, phone 517-335-7599, fax 517-241-3771, toll-free 877-765-8388, or use the online complaint form.