Houston, TX – Harris County residents are being warned about a new text message scam that falsely claims to come from the District Clerk’s Office and demands immediate payment for alleged traffic violations.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, multiple complaints have been filed this week regarding messages that contain links to a fraudulent website. The website is designed to mimic an official government portal and requests personal details, including credit card numbers.
Authorities say the scam messages allege drivers owe outstanding fines and threaten suspension of driving privileges or legal action if payment is not made. The messages then direct users to a site where they are asked to enter sensitive financial information.
The Sheriff’s Office urged residents to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited payment requests. Officials advised:
- Always check web addresses before clicking links.
- Never provide personal or financial details to suspicious sites.
- Report suspected scams directly to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.
Residents are reminded that legitimate government offices will not demand immediate payment through unsolicited texts.
This scam follows a pattern seen nationwide, where fraudsters use urgent language to pressure recipients into sharing personal data. Authorities say staying alert and verifying sources is the best way to prevent financial loss.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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