TEXT MESSAGE SCAM FOR TRAFFIC CITATION PAYMENTS
The Northwest Regional Police have received reports of text messages being received claiming the person who received the message is delinquent on payments for traffic or parking citation fines or Turnpike tolls and their driver’s license will be suspended immediately unless a payment is made using a link listed in the text message. The text messages include a link which appear to be to a PA.GOV link for payments, however the link is NOT a valid link.
These messages are fraudulent! Making payments using the link within these unsolicited text messages could result in unauthorized access to a bank or credit card account including the theft of the payments.
Pennsylvania Courts Advise of Reported Text Message Scam
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts is advising the public to stay vigilant against a recently reported text message scam involving the Pennsylvania court system.
The scam involves text messages that “spoof” or mimic the Pennsylvania Courts and/or Unified Judicial System website. The spoof text advises that “records show that as of today, there is an outstanding traffic ticket” which must be paid via a scam URL.
The text goes on to outline fictitious actions and penalties that will be taken if the ticket is not paid including license and vehicle suspension, criminal prosecution and negative impacts to personal credit scores.
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts will never place calls or send text messages to anyone soliciting payment by credit card, gift card, or any other means of electronic funds transfer for any reason. Should you receive a text message from a number or an individual claiming to be involved with or calling from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts requesting money or payment of fines, fees or court costs, please do not provide any sensitive information or forms of payment of any kind.
Anyone receiving texts of this nature is encouraged to hang up immediately and contact state and/or local police as well as the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.