Remember those fake toll road texts that spread like wildfire last summer? Scammers are back with a new version and this time, they’re pretending you owe money for a traffic or parking violation.
Both the Federal Trade Commission and the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) have reported a recent surge in complaints about these messages. It’s one of the newest tricks criminals are using to steal money and personal information.
How This Scam Works
You get a text with what looks like an official traffic or parking violation notice. It lists a court date and gives you two options: show up for the hearing or pay a small fine right away; often around just $6.
The message includes a QR code that links to a payment site. And it warns you to act fast, threatening default judgments, extra fines, or enforcement actions if you don’t respond.
The low dollar amount is no accident. Criminals are counting on you to scan the code and pay without a second thought. Why make a fuss over six dollars, right?
What They’re Really After
These messages are built to look real. They may mention your state or local area and use official-sounding language and fake case numbers. They’re designed to fool you.
But here’s what’s actually at stake. If you scan that QR code, you could lose money, hand over personal information, or download malicious software onto your phone. That software could lead to financial loss and identity fraud down the road.
What to Do If You Get One
Don’t respond to the message, and don’t click any links or scan any QR codes without checking where they lead first.
If you think the notice might actually be real, look up the court or parking authority yourself. Use a phone number or website you already trust, not anything provided in the text you received.
If your smartphone has a Report Spam option, use it to flag the message to your carrier.
When in doubt, put the phone down and make a call the old-fashioned way. A real court or parking office will always have a listed number you can find on your own.