More than 50 people went to Hartford Superior Court on Tuesday morning after receiving fraudulent text messages about supposed traffic violations that made it seem like they had to pay a fine or appear, court marshals said.
More than 50 people went to Hartford Superior Court on Tuesday morning after receiving fraudulent text messages about supposed traffic violations that made it seem like they had to pay a fine or appear, court marshals said.
The message, sent on Monday afternoon to many Connecticut residents, claimed recipients owed money for violations such as unpaid tolls, parking tickets, or speeding.
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Recipients were also given a “mandatory compliance order” asking them to scan a QR code to pay fines and appear in court on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Shortly after the text went out, the Judicial Branch moved the following alert up on its website:
“The Connecticut Judicial Branch is receiving numerous inquiries as a result of fraudulent text messages and phone calls to residents, purportedly from the CT Department of Motor Vehicles and in reference to motor vehicle violations. Please be advised that the DMV does not contact residents regarding motor vehicle related violations, and the Judicial Branch does not contact residents via phone or text regarding motor vehicle violations.”
Court marshals told NBC Connecticut that more than 50 people went to the courthouse because of the text message today. The people who appeared were handed printed notices warning about the fraudulent texts.
The notices state that residents should not respond to the messages or scan any QR codes, which could be used to steal personal or financial information.
The Manchester Police Department and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney also warned residents about the scam on Facebook, urging people not to engage with the messages or provide sensitive information.
Officials say legitimate notices about traffic violations or court appearances are not sent by text message.
“That was a waste of time for real,” said Jacob Adorno. NBC Connecticut’s Melissa Cooney met him and his mom after they learned that the text was a scam. They were relieved because they thought they had missed the hearing. “They said we have to be here by 9:30 a.m. I thought we missed it, my mom started rushing over here.”
He’s one of over 50 people who came to the superior court in Hartford looking to be heard on alleged motor vehicle violations.
Hundreds across the state received this exact fake notice from unknown numbers.
“We will never email, text, or call,” said Chief Justice Raheem Mullins.
He says Connecticut’s Judicial Branch is getting inundated with messages about these texts. It’s the first of its kind in Connecticut, but it’s happening across the country.
“We are never going to send you a QR code for direct payment. If you see it — ignore it,” said Mullins. “Don’t engage and certainly don’t pay.”