What This Means for You
- Scam messages are falsely claiming unpaid parking tickets from courts.
- Government agencies do not demand payment through unsolicited texts.
- Residents should not click links and should report suspicious messages.
HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvanians are being warned about scam text messages and emails that falsely claim recipients owe unpaid parking tickets and must pay immediately or face court action.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said the fraudulent messages often impersonate municipal courts, including Philadelphia Municipal Court, and threaten additional fines, driver’s license suspension, or enforcement action if payment is not made.
Officials emphasized that government agencies do not conduct official business through unsolicited text messages. Most agencies also do not initiate contact by email unless a resident has specifically requested electronic correspondence.
How the Scam Works
The messages typically include a link directing recipients to submit payment. Authorities warn residents not to click the link or copy it into a web browser.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, scammers rely on urgency and fear to pressure people into responding quickly.
What To Do If You Receive One
Residents who receive suspicious messages should report them as spam or junk through their phone or email provider. Blocking the sender can help prevent further contact.
Anyone who has received one of these messages is encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Complaints can be submitted online at www.attorneygeneral.gov, by phone at 1-800-441-2555, or by email at scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.