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A statewide fraud alert has been issued warning Pennsylvania drivers about a text messaging scam that falsely claims to be from the Traffic Division of Philadelphia Municipal Court, demanding payment for toll violations.
Philadelphia Courts confirmed the scam involves fake text messages with the subject line "Notice of Hearing - TOLL VIOLATION." The messages instruct recipients to either appear for a hearing or resolve the matter by paying a civil penalty before a hearing date. A QR code for payment is also included in the text.
Officials are urging anyone who receives one of these messages to ignore it entirely and not to scan the QR code. According to Philadelphia Courts, the court system will never send a text message demanding payment for toll, parking, or any other violations.
"The Courts will NEVER send a text message demanding payment for any toll, parking or other violations," officials said. "The public is cautioned to NEVER provide personal, banking or credit card information via a link sent through an unknown text or phone call. The Courts NEVER request Social Security numbers or credit card information over the phone or via text."
The alert applies to drivers across Pennsylvania, particularly those who may use the PA Turnpike. Anyone who receives one of these fraudulent texts, or believes they may have fallen victim to the scam, is encouraged to contact their local police department. Residents can also reach out to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission for assistance.