State officials warn of parking invoice scam

MADISON (WITI) -- Wisconsin residents on opposite sides of the state have reported receiving fraudulent bills in the mail for supposed parking violations.  The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is asking consumers statewide to be on the lookout for fake invoices or threats of collections for phony parking fees.

In early April, a Door County and a Pierce County resident each received a mailing from “Parking Collection Services” claiming that they owed $35 and $50 respectively.  The mailing listed a Milwaukee post office box as an address.  The letters claimed to be a “notice of Assignment to a Collection Agency” for these fines.

Both state and federal laws prohibit solicitations disguised as bills and sales representations that are deceptive, untrue or misleading.

If you are a victim of fraud, contact DATCP’s Consumer Information Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or file a complaint online on the DATCP website:  http://datcp.wi.gov.