City Officials Warn Of East Austin Car Booting Scam

EAST AUSTIN, TX — Austin Transportation Department officials are warning of a scam centered in East Austin involving fraudulent booting of vehicles.

Recently, city officials received a report of an illegally booted vehicle with an affixed notification directing the motorist to call a private phone number to arrange for the contraption's removal by paying cash. But city officials said they didn't place the immobilizing tool on the vehicle's tire, and the protocol outlined in the notice isn't one they follow.

"The ATD Parking Enforcement team works with the Austin Municipal Court to boot vehicles with unpaid parking citations," officials explained on the city department's website. "Along with the boot, a notice is posted informing the vehicle owner that they were immobilized for unpaid parking citations and lists a city phone number for them to contact the courts."

When legitimate ticket enforcement officials do boot a vehicle an attached notice instruct's the car owner to contact the court. Officials said that if that directive doesn't appear on a notice, it's likely a scam. This protocol does not apply to booting/towing on private property and roads in which municipal transportation officials do not play a role, officials said.

Transportation department officials have since reached out to the Austin Police Department to launch an investigation, officials said. Those believing to have been victimized by the scam are urged to call 311.

>>> Image of legitimate city warning notice for a vehicle that has been immobilized with a booting device via Austin Transportation Department.