New York City drivers are facing a double threat when it comes to parking tickets: systemic administrative failures leading to wrongful citations and sophisticated scams targeting unsuspecting motorists. As a traffic ticket attorney serving NYC drivers, The Law Office of Craig Bondy has seen firsthand how these issues can create serious headaches for vehicle owners who find themselves caught in bureaucratic snafus or targeted by criminals.

Are You Getting Parking Tickets for a Car You Don’t Even Own?

Recent cases have highlighted significant flaws in NYC’s parking ticket administration system. In March 2025, a Long Island man made headlines after receiving multiple parking tickets for a vehicle he had already sold. This case illustrates a troubling pattern where the city’s administrative processes fail to properly account for vehicle sales and registration changes.

The most common problems include:

• Tickets issued to former owners – Citations continue being sent to people who have already sold their vehicles and transferred ownership
• Appeals that go nowhere – Drivers struggle to contest erroneous tickets even when providing clear proof of sale and plate cancellation
• System-wide failures – Administrative processes within the Department of Finance fail to properly update vehicle ownership records

For drivers caught in these situations, the frustration extends beyond the initial incorrect ticket. Many find themselves trapped in a bureaucratic maze where providing documentation of vehicle sales or registration transfers doesn’t guarantee the tickets will be dismissed. This creates financial stress and can even impact credit scores if tickets go unpaid and enter collections.

How Can You Tell if That Parking Ticket Text is a Scam?

Alongside these administrative failures, NYC drivers must also contend with increasingly sophisticated scammer tactics. Criminals are now sending text messages that closely mimic official notifications from the NYC Department of Finance, typically claiming the recipient has unpaid parking tickets or toll violations.

Warning signs of parking ticket scams:

• Urgent language – Messages create artificial time pressure to pay immediately
• Suspicious links – URLs that don’t clearly lead to official NYC.gov websites
• Requests for personal information – Legitimate ticket systems don’t ask for Social Security numbers or full credit card details via text
• Poor grammar or formatting – Official communications are professionally written and formatted

These fraudulent messages are designed to create urgency and panic, prompting recipients to click on links that lead to fake websites. These sites are carefully crafted to resemble the legitimate NYC.gov portal, complete with official-looking logos and formatting. Once on these fake sites, victims are prompted to enter personal information, including Social Security numbers, credit card details, and banking information.

The consequences of falling for these scams can be devastating. Identity theft, unauthorized credit card charges, and compromised bank accounts are just some of the potential outcomes.

What Should You Do When You Receive a Suspicious Parking Ticket Notice?

When you receive any parking ticket notification via text message, your first instinct should be skepticism. Legitimate NYC parking ticket notifications are typically sent through the mail, not via text message.

Follow these steps to verify any ticket:

• Never click links in text messages – Go directly to official websites instead
• Use official channels only – Visit NYC.gov directly through your browser or use the official NYC Department of Finance mobile app
• Cross-reference information – Check that ticket numbers and violation details match official records
• Report suspicious messages – Forward scam texts to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office

If you’ve been victimized by a scam:

• Act immediately – Freeze bank accounts and notify credit card companies
• Document everything – Save screenshots of fraudulent messages and websites
• Monitor your finances – Watch for unauthorized charges or account activity
• File reports – Contact both local police and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office

How Can The Law Office of Craig Bondy Help You Fight Back?

Whether you’re dealing with wrongfully issued tickets due to administrative errors or you’ve been victimized by parking ticket scams, The Law Office of Craig Bondy provides experienced legal representation to protect your rights and your wallet.

Our services for wrongful parking tickets include:

• Comprehensive case review – Our parking ticket lawyers examine all documentation to identify administrative errors and build a strong defense
• Appeals process navigation – Our parking ticket lawyers understands the specific procedures and deadlines required to successfully contest citations
• Documentation preparation – Our parking ticket lawyers ensure all necessary proof of sale, registration transfers, and supporting evidence is properly submitted
• Follow-up and enforcement -Our parking ticket lawyers don’t just file appeals—we follow through to ensure dismissed tickets are properly removed from your record

For scam victims, we offer:

• Legal consultation – Understanding your rights and options for recovery
• Credit protection guidance – Helping you navigate the process of protecting your financial accounts and credit score
• Documentation assistance – Properly filing reports and maintaining records for potential criminal cases
• Financial recovery support – Exploring options for recovering losses from fraudulent charges

Why choose The Law Office of Craig Bondy?

• NYC traffic law expertise – Years of experience specifically with New York City’s parking ticket system and procedures
• Proven track record – Successful resolution of thousands of parking ticket cases
• Personalized attention – Direct access to experienced attorneys who understand your frustration
• No upfront fees – We work on a contingency basis for many case types
• Comprehensive support – From initial consultation through final resolution

The current parking ticket scandals affecting NYC drivers underscore the importance of having experienced legal representation on your side. Don’t let administrative errors cost you money you don’t owe, and don’t face the aftermath of scam victimization alone.

Contact The Law Office of Craig Bondy today for a consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights as a NYC driver. Whether you’re dealing with wrongful tickets or scam-related issues, we have the knowledge and experience to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Remember: you don’t have to navigate these complex situations alone. With proper legal representation, you can fight back against both administrative failures and criminal scams that target NYC drivers.