Fake toll violation scam hitting area inboxes

Authorities are warning about a new version of a scam that seeks to trick people into paying fines and penalties that do not exist.

According to the Indiana State Police Versailles post, the scammers are sending out text messages with a link to a realistic looking but fake court order saying that you have made a toll violation and owe a fine. And that you are supposed to appear in Marion County Superior Court’s traffic division.

However, troopers point out that there are warning signs such as the fake order does not contain any specific personal information, includes several threats of immediate punishment, the fact that there are no toll roads in Marion County, and that the listed judge is not a real judge in the county.

The fake notice also includes a link to a QR code that is meant to take you to a bogus payment web page if you scan it. Authorities say that courts and law enforcement agencies will never request payments online to settle legal matters

Troopers say tricking you into following a malicious link is an easy way for scammers to gain access to your devices and ultimately your money.

Troopers are also warning you to be wary of a similar text notice that appears to be coming from the U.S. Postal Service.