Indianapolis, IN – Indiana residents are being warned about a growing scam involving fake toll violation notices sent via text message, prompting concerns from law enforcement about potential financial losses.
According to Indiana State Police–Peru District, the scam messages claim recipients have unpaid toll violations and must pay fines immediately to avoid penalties. The messages often include links or QR codes directing users to fraudulent payment sites designed to collect personal and financial information.
Authorities say the scam attempts to mimic official court or government documents, including references to “Marion Superior Court” and fabricated case numbers. In some cases, the notices allegedly instruct recipients to appear for hearings or face additional consequences, adding a sense of urgency intended to pressure victims into quick action.
Investigators noted several red flags in the circulating notices, including generic names such as “John Smith” listed as a judge, formatting inconsistencies, and the inclusion of QR codes for payment—something officials say is not standard practice for legitimate court communications.
Law enforcement officials emphasize that Indiana does not widely operate toll roads in many areas referenced in the messages, making the claims even more suspicious. Officials urge residents to avoid clicking on links or scanning codes from unsolicited messages and to verify any claims directly through official government websites or agencies.
Police recommend deleting suspicious texts immediately and reporting them to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission. Anyone who may have already provided personal or financial information is encouraged to contact their bank and monitor accounts for unusual activity.
Officials continue to remind the public that scammers frequently adapt tactics to appear legitimate, and staying cautious remains the best defense.
