BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts is warning residents of a new text scam making rounds.
A release from the AOPC says the scam involves text messages that "spoof" or mimic Pennsylvania Courts and/or Unified Judicial System website.
The text warns of an "outstanding traffic ticket" that must be paid with a scam URL, later warning of "fictitious actions and penalties" if the ticket is not paid.
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts asserts it "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."Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts
In a text obtained by LehighValleyNews.com, the sender identifies itself as "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Motor Vehicles (DMV)" sending a final notice before "enforcement penalties begin on May 31."
The text outlines the following actions if payment is not made: a report to the DMV violation database, suspension of vehicle registration starting May 31, suspension of driving privileges for 30 days and transfer to a toll booth with a 35% service fee charge.
"You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected," it says. "Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes."
What to do if you get the notice
The AOPC asserts it "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."
Anyone who gets the text message scam from someone claiming to be involved with or calling from the courts requesting money or payment is urged to not provide any sensitive information or any forms of payment.
Those who get texts are 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.
