Klamath County, OR – A new text-message scam mimicking court notices is targeting residents, prompting a warning from local law enforcement.
According to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are sending messages that include a fake “Final Court-Ordered Mandatory Collection Notice” and a QR code demanding payment for alleged traffic violations. The texts often appear official, using copied State of Oregon seals, case numbers, and court dates to mislead recipients.
Officials said the messages may claim unpaid tolls, parking tickets, or speeding violations and threaten consequences such as license suspension, fines, or default judgment if payment is not made immediately. The QR code directs users to a fraudulent payment site, potentially exposing personal and financial information or installing malware.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that Oregon courts do not request payments or sensitive information through unsolicited text messages or QR codes. Legitimate court communication typically occurs through official mail or verified channels.
Authorities also noted that their office does not initiate contact by text to demand payment and will not ask for payment through QR codes, gift cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps.
Residents are advised not to click links or scan QR codes from unsolicited messages and to avoid responding or providing personal information. Instead, individuals should verify any claims by contacting courts or agencies directly using official phone numbers or websites.
Anyone who receives a suspicious message should delete it and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Oregon Judicial Department.
The alert may be especially relevant to commuters and younger drivers who frequently receive digital notifications about traffic-related issues.
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