Minnesota courts and law enforcement agencies are warning Minnesotans about a new text scam going around claiming you have an unpaid parking ticket or toll violation that, in reality, doesn’t exist.
The scam texts appear to come from Hennepin County District Court, complete with a fake judge’s name and a QR code for payment.
Officials stress that neither the Minnesota Judicial Branch nor law enforcement will ever contact you via text message or call to deman money for a fine.
Authorities also advise to be cautious to not click any links, share personal information or scan the QR code. Instead, contact law enforcement immediately.
What you can do
If you receive a suspicious text, do not engage with it. Verify any court notices by calling the official Hennepin County Courts help line at 612-348-6000, staffed by court employees from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For those who have fallen victim to the scam, it is recommended to file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Share your scam story
Local law enforcement officials are concerned about the impact of scams on area residents, particularly the elderly.
Consequently, this newspaper works with police and sheriff’s departments to keep residents updated on schemes. Scam Alerts will appear in future editions as often as possible.
If you have been the target of a scam, feel free to contact us with details (we can keep your name confidential). Send your story to joela@windomnews.com, or call 507-831-3455. By sharing, you could prevent someone from being scammed.
Watch for scam updates on Thursdays at www.windomnews.com.
