My husband and I were in Volterra last June for vacation. Late last year I received a charge from Hertz, the rental company for approximately $50, which was the processing fee for what was a yet-to-have-been-received parking violation. This May, (that's right, 11 months later), we received the parking violation notice in the mail. It was in several different languages, including English (but broken translation), and identified the location of the parking violation. By all accounts, it was valid. Now, we are trying to pay it. The notice states we can wire the money (and it gives a long string of numbers) or send a money order to the Volterra Police Department. No address. We'd prefer wiring the money, mostly because it's now been about 45 days since the date of the notice and we only have 60 days to pay the fine. We went to our credit union who said they can't wire internationally. We went to Western Union, they cannot wire without a name identified with the number. What other option do we have? Any experience in this area would be so appreciated.
Posted by
Atlanta
5295 posts
Why not go straight to the source -- the Volterra Police Department. Give them a call, even thought it will cost a few bucks, and see what they say.
Posted by
OP
Dublin, CA
12 posts
I assumed they did not speak English, but I suppose there's only one way to find out.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23671 posts
Go to any bank and wire the money. It will cost another 30 or 40 dollars. This is a game you cannot win.
Posted by
OP
Dublin, CA
12 posts
The bank said that they cannot wire it without a name attached to the account. We gave them Volterra PD but that was not sufficient.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
it gives a long string of numbers
That's the IBAN and international Swift code.
Banks usually do not need anything else to send and receive money. Is Western Union a real bank?
Try "Tesoriere Comune di Volterra" if the swift code you received is IT35S0637071221000010078198 CRV OIT 3V. "Comando polizia municipale Volterra" if the code is IT91Y0637071221000018000000 CRVOIT3VXXX .
If none of them works write to: [email protected] (local police) AND [email protected] (mayor).
You'd better write an Italian sentence in the subject field, something like: "Informazioni per pagamento multa. Intestatario conto corrente?"
Posted by
OP
Dublin, CA
12 posts
Thank you! I will check the notice later when I can look at it. I did call my bank (Chase) and they said they needed the account #, name on account, internatal swift code and physical address (of recipient bank). That is not provided in the notice from the town of Volterra. I have already taken your advice to send an email as well.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
If they have the IBAN, they shouldn't need anything else. An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) includes country, bank branch, and account. I can send money to any account anywhere (in any currency) from my internet banking so long as I have the IBAN. Long live Swiss banks!
I seem to remember when the IBAN system was set up the US opted out, so banks there could continue to charge exhorbitant amounts for international transfers.
It should say somewhere on the notice the official name (in Italian) of what you call the "Volterra PD". That should be a sufficient name for the bank.
I suggest you have a case of the bank employee being ignorant about IBAN's. You have to talk to someone who knows what they are doing.
Posted by
Indianapolis
247 posts
My husband works for a bank. Don't be surprised if you get a lot of questions/stalling from the bank employees for doing this kind of transfer. This kind of transfer is often used for phishing scams, and as a result banks are very hesitant to do them. They are required by company policy to verify that you do know exactly who you are transferring money to (hence why they need the name). Unfortunately, due to the phishing scams, it makes doing one of these transfers for legitimate reasons a bit trickier than one would expect.
Just be persistent, and if necessary ask for the bank manager. Clearly explain that you've had contact with the police department in Volterra, and you do know exactly who and where you are sending the funds to and provide them with a copy of the ticket, your email from them etc. as proof.
Posted by
OP
Dublin, CA
12 posts
Great suggestions everyone. I will go to the bank myself today and be a bit more persistant. The notice came from "Comune di Volterra P.M.", Municipality of Volterra, Town Police Headquarters Volterra.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I bet that the name you need for that account is the Comune di Volterra.