Wake County District Court Scam

Active Scams

• Text Message Traffic Violation Scam: A widespread scam involves text messages claiming the recipient has an "outstanding traffic violation".
  • The Hook: Messages include a fake court date, a case number, and a QR code for payment.
  • The Fake Details: The notices may use the names of judges (e.g., "Michael Rodriguez") who do not actually hold office in Wake County.
• Jury Duty Phone Scam: Scammers call pretending to be from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office or the Clerk of Court.
  • The Threat: They claim you missed jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for your arrest.
  • The Demand: They insist you pay a "fine" immediately via gift cards, cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), or prepaid debit cards to avoid jail.
  • Spoofing: Scammers often use "spoofing" technology to make their caller ID appear as a legitimate local 919 area code or a government office.

Identify the Scam

• Method of Contact: North Carolina courts never text or email citizens to demand payment for fines or notify them of warrants. Official jury summons and failure-to-appear notices are sent exclusively via U.S. Mail.
• Payment Method: No government agency will ever request payment through gift cards, Bitcoin, Venmo, Zelle, or MoneyGrams.
• Urgency & Threats: Scammers use high-pressure tactics, threatening immediate arrest if you hang up. Real law enforcement will not discuss warrants or request money over the phone.

What to Do

1. Hang Up/Delete: Do not engage, click links, or scan QR codes.
2. Verify Independently: If you are concerned, call the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court directly at 919-792-4000 or use the official eCourts Portal to check for any real cases in your name.
3. Report the Incident:
   • Wake County Sheriff’s Office: 919-856-6911.
   • NC Attorney General’s Office: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or NC DOJ Complaint Form.
   • Federal Authorities: Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the FTC.