New scam asks for traffic or toll ticket payment — here’s what to do if you’re contacted

California officials are sounding the alarm over a brazen new scam targeting drivers with phony court notices that demand cash—and threaten consequences if they don’t pay up fast.

State Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert on Monday warning Californians about a surge in fraudulent messages pretending to be official court communications, claiming recipients owe money for traffic or toll violations.

The messages—often sent via text or email—try to scare victims into paying bogus fines immediately or risk facing penalties, court appearances or other consequences.

“These notices are scams,” Bonta said, warning that crooks are exploiting fear to trick unsuspecting victims.

“Courts will never text, call, or email to ask for money,” Bonta said, urging Californians to be skeptical of any messages demanding payment or personal information.

Scammers often include links or QR codes directing victims to fake-payment portals—a tactic authorities say can expose financial details or install malware.

Instead of asking people to click on anything, the messages urge people to verify any tickets directly through official court websites or by calling the court using a trusted number.  

The scheme typically follows a familiar playbook: A message claims drivers owe money for a traffic or toll violation and pressures them to act immediately while including a payment link or QR code with instructions.

“Scammers will weaponize urgency and make you feel like you are in the wrong,” Bonta warned.  

Authorities tell anyone who receive a suspicious message not to click on the links or scan QR codes. Recipients should not send money or share personal information, but instead delete the message and report it to the FBI, Federal Trade Commission or the state attorney general’s office.

Anyone who may have already clicked a link or entered information should immediately secure their accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges.  

Officials say text-based scams—including fake toll notices, delivery alerts and now court demands—have been on the rise and that tactics continue to evolve.  

“Bad actors are getting more sophisticated and show little signs of slowing,” Bonta said in a statement earlier this month.

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