Fake court 'civil infraction' text with a QR code
Scammers text a fake 'Notice of Civil Infraction Hearing' that looks like it came from a local court. The message often includes a QR code that leads to a fake website asking you to pay a fine or enter personal information.
How it works
You get an unexpected text with a picture that claims to be a court notice about a toll or traffic ticket. It may say you must appear in person or admit responsibility and pay before a hearing date. A QR code or link is included so you will 'pay' or 'resolve' the case quickly. The site is set up to look official, sometimes using a state department name. If you scan the code or pay, the scammers can take your card details or other personal information.
Red flags
- The text is unexpected and creates a short deadline to pay or appear in court.
- It includes a QR code or a short, odd web link.
- It may come from a long or unfamiliar phone number.
- A real court usually mails official notices and does not demand payment by text.
What to do
- Do not scan the QR code, tap the link, or reply to the text, even to say STOP.
- If you wonder whether a ticket is real, look up the court or agency yourself and call the number on its official website.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you already entered information or paid, contact your bank and also file a report at ic3.gov.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.