03/26/2026
Don’t be tricked into this newest scam! If you are ever unsure, hang up and call the company back directly to ask if it is legitimate.
🚨NEW SCAM ALERT 🚨
A new text message scam is going around Illinois and other states. It 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:
đź”´ No name listed for the alleged violator
🔴 “Judge” and “Clerk of the Court” both listed as John Smith
đź”´ Instructions to scan a QR code or follow a link
Let’s be clear: Law enforcement and the courts will NOT send text messages asking you to pay citations or scan a QR code.
If you receive a message like this:
❌ Do NOT scan the QR code (we blurred it out because we know someone would try it)
❌ Do NOT click any links
❌ Do NOT provide personal or payment information
Simply delete the message.
If you’re unsure whether something is legitimate, contact your local police department or the court directly using verified contact information.
And seriously… “Judge John Smith”…? That’s your first clue 👀 (No offense to any real Judge John Smiths out there, we’re sure you’re doing great work!)
Stay alert and help spread the word!