Miami-Dade Tax Collector Uncovers Appointment Scalping Scheme
Officials from the Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s Office have revealed a concerning trend: a network of appointment scalpers is exploiting the demand for Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) appointments. Recent investigations have highlighted the illicit activities of driving schools, which are reserving multiple appointments and re-selling them at inflated prices.
Details of the Scalping Scheme
According to reports from 7Investigates, some driving schools have taken to securing blocks of appointments, offering them to desperate drivers for hundreds of dollars. One notable case involved a school that booked 70 appointments, each priced at around $200 or even higher. This practice has raised alarms among local officials, who recognize the challenges it poses for residents needing access to essential services.
Official Response and Warning
In response to these developments, Dariel Fernandez, the Miami-Dade County tax collector, has issued a stern warning to the community. “Never buy an appointment. Appointment is completely free. We are here to serve the residents of Miami-Dade County and I am not going to allow these companies to exploit our citizens,” Fernandez stated. His comments emphasize the importance of free access to these services and the need to protect consumers from exploitation.
Future Actions Against Scalping
While the current practice of appointment scalping remains technically legal, Fernandez has indicated that the Tax Collector’s Office is taking steps to address the issue. Collaborating with county officials, they aim to establish penalties aimed at curtailing this practice and safeguarding residents from further exploitation.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any instances of scalping they may encounter. The Tax Collector’s Office remains committed to ensuring fair access to DMV appointments for all Miami-Dade County residents.
For more updates and information, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as measures evolve to combat this growing problem.
