How To Avoid Traffic Ticket Scams

A police officer sits in her cruiser flipping through papers with a pen in her hand

Traffic ticket scams are on the rise, and they go something like this: you get a ticket in the mail that includes a picture of your license plate running a red light. But you don't remember being at the intersection named in the ticket. Dozens of victims have reported receiving traffic tickets in the mail that appear legitimate but are actually part of a scam. Our network of attorneys through our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families can answer your questions and give you advice for your specific situation. In the meantime, if you receive a traffic ticket in the mail, here are six ways to tell if it is real:

Carefully Read The Whole Ticket

A careful read of the entire ticket and anything else that comes with it may give you clues as to the legitimacy of the ticket. One woman noticed that the supposed date of the traffic infraction was on February 30th, for instance. Some clues aren't as blatant as that obvious lie, though, so try to remember where you were on the date in question, whether you were near the location named on the ticket, or if you even drove that day. Taking a few minutes to really read through what you've been sent can reveal the scam right away.

Contact The Authorities

Don't call the number listed on the ticket you received, but call the local law enforcement where the infraction supposedly occurred. Do a quick web search to get the proper contact information and compare it to the numbers you received. When you call, make sure to ask if the number printed on the ticket you were mailed is an actual number for the law enforcement agency in question. The police will be able to tell you whether the ticket is valid and take a report for your false ticket, as well, if the ticket is not legitimate.

Don't Click Any Links

If the ticket came to you via email, it is almost certainly a scam and visiting any link sent to you is taking a risk of the scammers stealing your personal information or installing malware on your machine without you knowing. Clicking on links can also lead to identity theft or scamming you out of money.

Don't Reveal Personal Information

Make sure to investigate by calling the law enforcement agency supposedly responsible for your ticket to verify its veracity before filling out any forms with your personal information, such as credit card information, Social Security numbers, your address, or any other sensitive information. Legitimate law enforcement will not ask for this kind of information (outside of your name) or your credit card  or other payment information over the telephone.

Make Sure All Web Sites Are Official

Only pay tickets online through official web sites that begin with "https." The "s" tells you that web site is secure.

Get Legal Advice

Criminals are always looking for new ways to steal honest people's money and information, so it is critical that you protect yours and your family's privacy, rights, and personal information. Getting legal advice in cases such as this is easy with our Legal Protection Subscription Plans; asking questions doesn't cost you anything more than your monthly subscription fee.

Scams aren't always easy to spot, and even vigilant people are sometimes taken in. With ticket scams like these on the rise, having a lawyer in your pocket is a real benefit. Get legal support, consultation, answers, and advice from our network of dedicated, experienced lawyers for just $29.95 per month. Learn more about all the benefits of our plans or sign up today!

8 Tips For Rideshare & Delivery Drivers

A view of a driver in a car from the passenger side backseat

Ride share and delivery drivers have unique risks on the job, including assault, fraud, and property damage. Delivery drivers and ride share drivers report instances of violent passengers, moving violations, vehicle damage, tax issues, and accidents at much higher rates than other workers in different industries. Our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families has an add-on feature specifically geared for rideshare and delivery drivers that can give you access to legal advice tailored for your trade, for topics such as tickets, property damage, violent riders, taxes as a contract worker, and much more, all for under $45 per month. Learn more about these essential benefits and read on for tips to keep you safe on the job.

1. Request Passengers Sit In The Back

The closer someone is to you, the easier it is for them to do you harm or get access to the steering wheel.

2. Get a Dashcam

A dashcam provides evidence in case something happens on a ride or delivery, eliminating hearsay or "he-said-she-said" scenarios while keeping an eye and ear out for you while you pay attention to the road.

3. Verify the Identity of Your Passenger

When picking up a passenger, ask them to verify their name before getting in your car. Don't say the name you have; ask what their name is and see if it matches. Some rideshare companies have a PIN feature that helps you with the verification.

4. Don't Share Your Personal Information

It goes without saying that giving out personal information to strangers is a bad idea. Cases of stalking, harassment, and worse can arise from doing so. If a rider needs to get in touch with you, they should do so through the app.

5. Carry A Safety Kit

Being prepared for anything that could happen on the road is just common sense, but it makes even more sense if you make your living driving. You should always carry a first aid kit, a whistle, emergency (non-perishable) food, water, jumper cables, wiper fluid, a gas can, a jack and wrench for your wheels, and possibly some form of self protection, such as pepper spray (check your company's guidelines for what types of personal protection are allowed - if any - in your vehicle while you're on the job; there may be additional city, county, or state rules and regulations based on your location).

6. Always Follow Your Rideshare Guidelines

No matter what your rider might tell you, always follow all traffic laws and obey the rules of the rideshare app.

7. Have an Emergency Plan In Place

Thinking about the kinds of dangerous situations that might arise from being a rideshare driver can help you prepare, as well. make sure you know the protocols your rideshare service may have, as well as any laws in your locality. Make sure you know emergency numbers or have them programmed into your phone or written down somewhere in your car.

8. Consider Getting Legal Protection

No one can predict when a situation will arise during a ride or delivery, and making sure that your rights are protected is extremely important. With our Rideshare & Delivery Driver's Coverage plan, you can protect your driving record, get defense in court for moving violations or tickets, and even get tax consultations.

If you are a rideshare or delivery driver, protecting your assets and rights should be your number one priority, and we can help! Learn more about the essential benefits of our specialized coverage supplement or sign up today!

What Is Predatory Towing?

Looking up at buildings in a city from street level; a tow away zone sign is prominent in the foreground to the left

Imagine finishing up after a long day at work, walking to your car and finding that your vehicle is missing. A note left in the parking spot tells you that it has been towed. But you haven't done anything wrong: you park in that same spot every day. Cases of predatory towing are on the rise and recorded instances of predatory towing reached an all-time high last year. In Colorado, there have been numerous reports of predatory towing, where towing companies have been accused of targeting vehicles with expired license plates during the pandemic, at a time when renewal offices were closed and state agencies had instituted deferments for licenses until offices reopened. They also targeted mobile home parks and lower income communities and low-income housing and apartments, targeting those most vulnerable. While there are predatory businesses all the time, the pandemic and tough times in general has ratcheted up the number of these kinds of shady companies, eager to seize on any money-making opportunity that they can, even if it means taking advantage of innocent people. If you’ve been towed when you’ve done nothing wrong or been the victim of a predatory towing scam, your attorney through our legal protection subscription plans for individuals and families will be able to give you advice and help you through the next steps. Read on to learn more about how you can protect yourself from this predatory practice.

So how can you protect yourself? What are your rights?

Uncertainty about your rights can mean that you don't take the necessary steps to fight the companies and their reasons for towing your vehicle. State and local laws can vary, but there are some common tips:

• If you were parked on private property, check for signs stating that the area is private. If there is no sign, you may have a defense; however, some states - like Washington State - allow for cars to be towed from private property even if there is no sign stating that parking is prohibited. Signs that mark private property and prohibit parking should also have the name and number of the towing company printed on it.

• You have the right to collect possessions from your car. You will be asked to prove that you are the owner of the car, usually by comparing your driver's license to the car's registration that is kept in the car.

• Most states require towing companies to accept debit and credit card payments and not just cash, but check with your local laws to make sure this is the case in your area.

If you've been towed and you're certain that the towing company is in the wrong based on the situation and local laws, here's what you should do next:

• Document the scene by taking photos of your car, any nearby signs regarding parking rules , and the surrounding area. If the towing company damaged your car, document that, as well.

• Keep records and receipts. If you paid a parking meter or kiosk, keep the receipt as proof and photograph it, too, just in case.

• Contact the local authorities and file a report.

In these situations, an experienced attorney will be able to walk you through the process of correcting the situation and our legal subscription plans for individuals and families gives you access to qualified attorneys 24/7 for just $29.95 per month, basically paying for itself the first time you use it. You will be able to talk to your attorney about the specific towing laws in your state, county, and/or city, and your lawyer can help you protect your rights throughout the process. You will also be able to talk to your attorney about an unlimited number of topics ranging from disputes, consumer finance, family law, and much more, all for one low, monthly fee. Learn more about the benefits of our legal subscription plans or sign up now!

Keeping Teen Drivers Safe: Eight Tips

Police cruiser with vehicle stopped on a city street at night.

Inexperienced drivers are more likely to have accidents and get moving violations than other drivers. Most of these inexperienced drivers are teens who have just learned to drive and received their driver's licenses. Teaching teen drivers about the legal and physical damages that can happen due to careless driving is very important; adults, too, can often use a refresher course. Our legal subscription plans for individuals and families gives you access to experienced, dedicated attorneys who can provide defense for traffic violations, traffic accidents, give you advice on the most effective strategies, and advocate for you in court if needed. Here are a few tips for keeping your teen drivers safe on the roads:

Know The Traffic Laws Where You Live

Parents can set a good example for their kids by knowing and following all the traffic laws where they live, as teens often learn their driving habits by watching their parents drive. Explain the laws to your new drivers, sign your teens up for driver education courses, and, most importantly, lead by example.

Avoid Distracted Driving

The number one cause of auto accidents in the US is distracted driving, and teens without much driving experience are particularly susceptible to distractions. Avoid texting or using a smart phone while driving (it is actually illegal in many states and localities), and the use of a phone while driving can not only get you fined, but could also cause a serious accident, injuring or killing you or others. Explain these risks to your teen drivers and set a good example by turning off your phone when you're driving.

Never Drive Impaired

Underage drunk driving is a zero tolerance offense, meaning that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 in the US (22 in Canada) to have any alcohol in their system while driving. Driving drunk is incredibly dangerous and it is a criminal offense as opposed to a simple traffic infraction. Drivers who operate vehicles while impaired can face stiff fines, lose their license, incur legal fees, get a criminal record, and possibly face jail time.

Know How To Behave During A Traffic Stop

If you are being pulled over, pull safely off the road, switch on an interior light if it is after dark, and keep your hands on the steering wheel until the officer asks you for your information. Remain polite and cooperative, comply with the officer's requests (name, driver's license, proof of insurance, registration). Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so. You do not need to consent to a search of your vehicle, but if the officer searches your car without your consent, tell the officer that you object to the search but do not physically resist the search. If you or your vehicle are searched without your consent, call your provider attorney as soon as possible.

Don't Try To Hide A Ticket

Make sure your new driver knows that tickets cannot simply be hidden or thrown away. Some teens try to pay off traffic fines on their own without telling their parents about the ticket, but it is important that you teach your new driver that hiding the infraction only makes the situation worse. Teens who pay the fines themselves can end up with points on their licenses and higher insurance rates. Failure to pay the fine at all can result in charges of failure to appear in addition to a conviction of the original violation. Failure to pay fines can also result in heavier fines and even having your license suspended.

Know What To Do In An Accident

Teach your new drivers that, in the event of an accident, they should pull safely to the side of the road if possible, and, even if the accident seems minor - or if another drivers asks them not to - the police should be notified and an accident report should be filed. Exchange information with any other drivers involved in the accident including contact and insurance information. Make sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident, as well, if possible. Make sure to save all the information about the accident, and do not sign anything until you have spoken with your provider attorney. Never agree to any kind of settlement without talking to your lawyer first.

Make Sure Your Teen Understands Insurance

Driving means understanding the personal and financial responsibilities, and that includes insurance. Talk to your teen about the costs of insurance, what your policy covers, and what it costs in deductibles if there is an accident or how much your insurance premiums could increase if they get tickets, infractions, or points on their license.

Use Our App To Send Tickets To Your Provider Attorney

A feature of our app lets you take a photo of a traffic ticket and submit it to your provider attorney, or you can contact your provider attorney directly to get advice about a traffic violation.

Our legal subscription plans for individuals and families includes being able to get advice from your provider law firm on an unlimited number of topics, including any and all issues arising from traffic violations, tickets, accidents, insurance, and more. Learn more about this included essential benefit here, or sign up today!