PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHP) — A statewide fraud alert was issued Sunday to warn drivers about text messages demanding payments for toll violations.
The messages claim to be from the Traffic Division of Philadelphia Municipal Court, according to the Philadelphia Courts.
The courts said the texts often start with, “Notice of Hearing – TOLL VIOLATION.”
An example of what a scam message may look like, according to The Philadelphia Courts.
The scam messages include a QR code and demand recipients to either pay a civil penalty or appear for a court hearing. They also often enforce a strict deadline and urge recipients to act quickly.
Courts will never send a text message demanding payment for any toll, parking or other violations. Additionally, they’ll never request card information or Social Security numbers over text, according to the alert.
Those who receive the scam message are urged to call their local police department or contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-411-2555.