Des Moines’ parking restriction letters aren’t real, the city says

Des Moines city officials say someone is sending fake letters to Southside residents about parking restrictions and fines that aren’t real.

According to the city, letters warning residents about non-existent parking restrictions were reported in at least one Des Moines neighborhood. The letter apparently states that a “parking ban” would be in place from December 7 to April 15, 2025, with heavy fines imposed on vehicles parked along city streets.

According to the city, this is incorrect. Residents are encouraged to visit the city’s website for current winter parking restrictions and information.

“Whoever (sent the fake letters) had a lot of stamps and spent a lot of money because it’s a long road. But yeah, it’s outrageous,” said Lisa Beck of Des Moines.

Beck and most of her neighbors received the fake letter this week.

The letter said people are “urged to avoid parking vehicles on the street” to make room for snow plows. It goes on to say that the city will use satellites, drones and on-site surveillance to enforce the parking ban from December 7th to April 15th. The fine is $500 and increases to $1,000 for repeat violations.

Even though it’s fake, it scared the neighbors.

“I thought it was real. Yes, I told my wife that. We have to be careful. We can’t park on the street to avoid damage to our car or we’ll get a fine,” said Beda Dhital of Des Moines.

The city states that the letters sent are certified and include a return address. There is no return address on the fake letter.

Police aren’t sure who sent the letters – or why.

“There are always things we tell people to watch out for if they think they’re being scammed, or we tell them to trust their instincts. But there were a few things that really stood out here,” said Sgt. Paul Parizek, DMPD spokesman. “So you’re not going to get a $500 ticket. We have drones. We don’t use it for parking control, and we definitely don’t have satellite. And if we did that, we’d probably find something better to do with it.

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