Denver, Colorado – A surge of scam text messages claiming unpaid court fines is prompting warnings across Colorado.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, fraudulent messages are being sent to residents alleging they owe money tied to traffic violations or court cases. The messages often appear official, sometimes including case numbers, legal language, and threats of penalties if payment is not made immediately.
Authorities said the scam texts may instruct recipients to click a link, scan a QR code, or send money to resolve the alleged violation. The notices can resemble legitimate court documents, increasing the risk that recipients may believe they are real.
The Colorado State Patrol emphasized that courts do not contact individuals via text message to demand payment. Officials warned that any unsolicited message requesting immediate payment for fines or legal matters should be treated as suspicious.
Residents who receive similar messages are advised not to click links, provide personal information, or send money. Instead, officials recommend verifying any claims by looking up the court’s official phone number and calling directly during business hours.
The alert comes as scammers increasingly use realistic formatting and urgent language to target individuals, including students and young drivers who may be more likely to respond quickly to legal threats.
Authorities encourage the public to share the warning to help prevent others from falling victim. Anyone unsure about a message’s legitimacy should independently confirm details through official government sources.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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