A scam text message making the rounds in Wake County is attempting to deceive drivers with phony details about fake traffic violations and an upcoming fake court date.
The North Carolina court system sent out a message about the scam on Tuesday, saying that the message is fraudulent and that recipients should not respond.
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A message from the state courts says, “A notice appearing to be from the Wake County District Court states that there is an outstanding traffic violation and the recipient must either pay a fine or appear in court or face fines and other penalties. This is a scam.”
The graphic shows a crude replica of the North Carolina State seal and what is designed to look like a QR code. A court hearing date is listed for 9 a.m. on March 25.
The message shows a graphic with a “final and urgent warning regarding an outstanding traffic violation” and demands that recipients take “immediate action” on the notice, or “legal and administrative consequences” could follow.
“If you receive such a message, disregard and do not click on links or scan QR codes,” the state said. “You can always contact your local clerk of superior court’s office to verify if you have in fact, an outstanding issue.”
The court system also there is no Wake County judge named Michael Rodriguez nor is there a Paul Lopez in the Clerk of Court’s office, which were listed in the text.
“It is a scam if payment is demanded to satisfy the issue. Court staff and the Sheriff’s Office do not text citizens requesting Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, money, prepaid debit card numbers, payments by MoneyGrams, or any other sensitive financial information.”