Spammy Spam Spam? Or Real?

In the past 10 years or so, I’ve seen my share of different kinds of spam. The banks, credit unions, PayPal, eBay, and the bills in the mail for SEO services. I got one today that was different. Two emails from the Arlington County Payment Portal telling me I had three parking tickets from December 15th. Arlington, VA. 5 days ago. I LIVE IN TEXAS!

Okay, so that was the biggest thing, just like the banks. I don’t live there and haven’t been in that area for years. It also gives me a license plate number and other information. They at least get my legal name right, but not the spelling. So I might contact the county and let them know just in case it’s actually just a mistake. This person doesn’t need a warrant or anything and the county needs to know that either a) they have the wrong email address or b) their system has some major issues.

Has anyone else seen something like this? I am adding the email below just so others can see.

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Dear Katherine,

The Arlington County Payment Portal is notifying you of a bill that was issued to you today. The following information includes that bill and other bills:

Bill Type Account Number Description Due Date Amount
Parking Tickets 42460451 VA <<LicensePlate>> on 12/15/2008 1/14/2009 $25.00
Parking Tickets 4246046A VA <<LicensePlate>> on 12/15/2008 1/14/2009 $40.00
Parking Tickets 42460478 VA <<LicensePlate>> on 12/15/2008 1/14/2009 $40.00
Total Amount: $105.00
You can make these payments by mail or in person.

As an added benefit, you can choose the ease and convenience of paying your bill electronically. Simply logon to Payment Portal (this is normally a link).

You can not use this system to pay Moving Violations nor Boot and Tow Fees.

For payment information regarding Moving Violations, please call 703-228-4485.
For prepayable traffic fine information, please call 703-228-4599.

For payment information regarding Boot and Tow Fees, please call 703-228-4000 for payment instructions.

If you are paying a delinquent utilities bill, upon completion of making your payment, you must call the Utilities Customer Service office at 703-228-6570 during normal business hours. You will need to provide your payment confirmation number to ensure your water service is not discontinued.

If your vehicle does not appear on the bill, please go to the payment and register portal and register your vehicle.

In some cases, you may receive an email notification for a bill prior to receiving the paper copy in the mail.

The payment portal notifications are provided as an additional service and will not replace your paper copy of the bill.

We look forward to serving you online.

Sincerely

Francis X. O’Leary

Arlington County Treasurer

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