New Scam Targeting California Drivers

Authorities in California have issued a warning regarding a bold new scam aimed at drivers. The scam involves fake court notices that demand immediate payment and threaten serious repercussions for those who do not comply swiftly.

California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, released a consumer alert on Monday highlighting the rise in fraudulent messages impersonating court communications. These messages often state that the recipients owe money for traffic or toll violations.

Typically delivered through text or email, these notices attempt to instill fear in victims, pressuring them to pay the fraudulent fine without delay. The fear is, of course, intended to make people comply quickly. Bonta emphasized, “These notices are fraudulent” and cautioned that criminals are exploiting people’s fears to manipulate them.

“Courts will never text, call or email you to solicit money,” Bonta cautioned, encouraging people to be wary of any messages asking for payments or personal information.

Scammers frequently include links or QR codes in these messages that direct victims to false payment portals. This poses risks not just of financial loss but also the potential of malware being installed on their devices.

Instead of clicking on any link, recipients are advised to verify their ticket status through the court’s official website or by calling the court directly using a trusted phone number.

This scheme follows a familiar pattern: messages assert that a driver owes money, then pressure them to act promptly, often including QR codes along with payment instructions. “Scammers use urgency as a weapon to make you feel like you’re in the wrong,” Bonta warned.

Authorities recommend that anyone who receives suspicious messages should refrain from clicking on links or scanning QR codes. They should avoid sending money or sharing personal information, delete the message, and report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the FBI, the Federal Trade Commission, or the state attorney general’s office.

If you’ve already clicked on a link or shared any information, it’s crucial to protect your account immediately and contest any unfamiliar charges. Officials note that the number of text-based scams is increasing, with tactics continually evolving. This includes not just court notices but also fake price quotes and delivery warnings.

Bonta remarked, “Bad actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated and show little sign of slowing down.”