So this happened yesterday.
I was leaving a parking garage in downtown Rochester — putting my money in one of those machines that people seem to have so much trouble with — when I was approached by a parking attendant. (Actually, I’m assuming he was an attendant. I didn’t look closely.) It’s not unusual to see an attendant standing next to the machine, just in case someone needs help — which kind of defeats the purpose of having the machines, does it not?
“You doin’ OK, there, sweetheart?” (He was probably less Humphrey Bogart-ish, but I do remember the “sweetheart.”)
I told him I was, stuck the second of two dollar bills in the slot, and waited for the receipt button to light up. The presumed attendant seemed excited by the fact that I needed a receipt, and urged me to wait. He then handed me a receipt — I don’t know where he got it — for $10. My fee was $2.
“That’s not right,” I said.
He assured me repeatedly that it was fine, and — being your classic conflict-avoider — I drove off.
I don’t want to get this guy in trouble; that’s why I didn’t name the garage or the time of day. But it sure seems like some kind of scam. I can’t be the only person this has happened to, right?
And, no, I’m not going to keep the extra money. (I swear.)
This article appears in Jul 10-16, 2013.
