Are you getting a text message from the Traffic Division of Philadelphia Municipal Court saying you have a toll violation?
It’s a scam, Philadelphia Courts said in a news release issued Sunday.
The fake text messages are sent to consumers’ phones with the headline: “Notice of Hearing – TOLL VIOLATION.” It falsely instructs recipients to “Appear for a hearing” or resolve the matter by “payment of the assessed civil penalty . . . prior to the hearing date.” A QR code for payment is provided in the text.
The courts advised consumers statewide to ignore the texts and not scan the QR code. They will never send a text message demanding payment for any toll, parking or other violations.
The public is cautioned to never provide personal, banking or credit card information via a link sent through an unknown text or phone call. The courts never request Social Security numbers or credit card information over the phone or via text.
If you received one of these text messages or are a victim of this scam, call your local police department or contact the state Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555, or contact the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).