OAKLAND COUNTY (WWJ) - It's a gorgeous day for a drive! The 2023 Woodward Dream cruise is officially underway Saturday, but local authorities are warning drivers to look out for scams that could mar your sun and fun.
The Woodward Dream cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event that stretches down Woodward Avenue from Pontiac to Detroit, drawing 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year.
It also draws scammers looking to make a quick buck off of unsuspecting drivers, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office warned.
The Woodward Dream Cruise is a free event, deputies reminded, but scammers are telling drivers that they need to pay up to cruise.
The sheriff's office said people are being told that they need to purchase a $20 decal and register to drive down Woodward Avenue — but that's false.
Not a single car needs a sticker to participate -- in fact, cruisers share the roadway with other drivers using Woodward to get to other destinations like they would on any normal day.
The sheriff’s office warned against giving money out in order to drive and asked the public to get a picture of the scammers if they are approached. Any incidents should be reported to the OCSO so they can be investigated.
“Since 1995, cruis’n along Woodward Avenue during the Woodward Dream Cruise has always been a free event. Only participating community car shows require a registration fee,” event organizer Michael Lary said to WDIV.