Many in Illinois have recently reported receiving an official looking document via text message that says things like “Notice of Hearing” and “Traffic Violation” — but they’re fake.
The texts, officials say, are part of a scam hitting phones in Chicago and the suburbs. The Vernon Hills Police Department is the latest to warn of the scam, saying its been “circulating” in the area.
According to police, one of the most recent scams includes words like “final and urgent warning,” with threatening language that says unpaid fines could result in action from collection agencies, contempt of court, credit score downgrades and more.
But they also include a number of red flags, including incorrect state and county seals, non-existent judges and addresses.
“Please remember,” the police department’s message said, “courts and law enforcement agencies do not send payment requests for traffic violations via unsolicited text messages.”The department also warned users to not click links, scan QR codes or provide any personal or financial information.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in March warned of similar, sophisticated-looking scam texts, saying “scammers have recently escalated their tactics” with texts that look even more official with fake fines and regulations, deadlines or penalty dates.
“Many of the texts cite an upcoming enforcement date and list severe consequences to pressure recipients into acting quickly,” a press release from Giannoulias’ office said at the time. “These schemes are designed to create panic and trick individuals into surrendering money or personal information.”
The Oswego Police Department also warned of the texts in March, saying the scam “includes a photo of what appears to be an official notice for a traffic violation hearing.”
“The document may look legit at first glance, even listing Illinois statutes, but there are some clear red flags,” the department said.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office says it will never send a text message demanding payment or threatening to suspend a license. The only time the office will send a text, Giannoulias said, is to remind someone of a scheduled DMV appointment.
“If you receive a message like this, remember it’s a scam – plain and simple. Do not click the link and please report the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov,” Giannoulias office said.
This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
Hence then, the article about did you get one these official looking traffic and court text notices are part of a scam was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Did you get one? These official-looking ‘traffic' and ‘court' text notices are part of a scam )
Also on site :