Mister Manager Parking Service Smut

Many Chicago drivers feel victimized by the level of parking enforcement in the city and the seemingly increasing amount of parking tickets being issued.

But recently, it seems that some ticketed drivers are falling prey to a parking ticket payment scam outside Department of Revenue payment centers.

The hustle goes like this. Motorists coming into one of five city payment centers to pay their parking tickets are approached by con artists outside the center, usually in the parking lot according to the DOR. Since City Hall the payment center located at the Central Hearing Facility don't have parking lots, this scam is most likely occurring outside the Addison St., South Kedzie or 95th St. locations.

The con men claim to be city or DOR employees or just have inside access to city databases and, by paying them for a fraction of what the motorist owes in cash, they can make violations disappear.

Drivers thinking their getting over on the city, are actually being conned out of their hard earned money and will still have their parking tickets to pay.

"These criminals are not City employees and have no access to adjust City records," says DOR spokesperson Ed Walsh via e-mail. "Customers are warned not to give these criminals any money. The amounts owed the city will not be adjusted in any way and will remain fully due. While these incidents have been rare, customers who are approached regarding this scam should immediately call 911."

Of course, like the old adage goes, "if it's too good to be true..."

Do not fall for this scheme. Always make payments inside a facility where you can get a receipt as proof of payment. Report any suspicious behavior to 911.