City warns drivers about fake vehicle boot scam using real parking notices
By Denzen Cortez
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SACRAMENTO, California (KCRA) — Sacramento officials are warning drivers about a scam involving fake vehicle boots and real city parking notices after at least one resident nearly paid hundreds of dollars to a scammer.
Dashawn Fontane said he found what appeared to be a boot on his vehicle in downtown Sacramento along with a city parking warning notice. After calling a handwritten phone number on the notice, he began receiving text messages threatening towing fees, daily storage charges and claims that a tracking device had been installed on his car.
“I was ready to pay right then,” Fontane said.
The city of Sacramento said scammers appear to be exploiting warning notices being distributed ahead of the city’s vehicle booting program, which is scheduled to resume July 1. Under the program, drivers with five or more delinquent parking citations may be subject to having their vehicles booted.
City officials stressed that booting has not yet begun and warned residents not to call handwritten phone numbers or send money to individuals claiming to represent the city.
Officials said legitimate notices only contain handwritten vehicle license plate information. Any other handwritten information, including phone numbers, should be treated as a red flag.
The city is encouraging anyone who encounters a similar scam to report it to Sacramento police.
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