Scam Alert! Fake Traffic Violation Texts Target Minnesotans and they are Spreading Fast
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
by Karin L. Nauber
According to numerous law enforcement agencies, another scam is going through the state involving traffic or parking violations with an official looking “ticket” or “citation” attached.
I got mine in a text message! For a time and place I hadn’t been. I promptly deleted the messages. Yes, I received two of them from two different phone numbers.
They looked almost identical to the one in this story.
Here was the information that was sent to me from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office: “There’s a text going around saying you need to pay a fine for a traffic violation. IT’S A SCAM!!!
“This photo pops up. There’s a QR code at the bottom to “settle your unpaid balance.” IT’S A SCAM! Do not click on the QR code.”
Residents across Minnesota are being warned about a growing scam that looks official, but isn’t.
The messages appear as urgent “traffic violation” or “court notices,” often claiming the recipient owes a fine or must appear in court. Some include official-looking documents, case numbers, and even QR codes for payment.
But according to Minnesota court officials and law enforcement, these messages are fraudulent.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch has confirmed that courts do not send notices of hearings or demand payments via text message. Any message claiming otherwise is a scam (Minnesota Judicial Branch, mncourts.gov).
“These scammers are getting more sophisticated,” officials warn. “They’re using real court names, formatting, and legal language to make the messages look legitimate.”
The scam is designed to create urgency—often threatening additional penalties, license suspension, or legal action if the recipient does not act immediately.
In many cases, recipients are directed to click a link or scan a QR code to pay a supposed fine. Officials say this is one of the biggest red flags...
Comments