Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Essex County Municipal Court Scam
Essex County Municipal Court Scam

Fraudulent "Notice of Hearing" texts and emails claiming to be from the Essex County or Newark Municipal Court are circulating, demanding immediate payment for fake traffic/toll violations via QR codes. Do not scan the QR code, click links, or pay; these are phishing attempts to steal personal information. Official courts do not demand payment via text.

Details of the Scam

  • The Method: Victims receive text messages or emails appearing to be official "Notice of Hearing" documents regarding unpaid parking or toll violations.
  • The Trap: Messages demand quick payment, often including a QR code or fraudulent link to a website designed to steal credit card information.
  • False Urgency: Messages threaten immediate action, such as bench warrants, arrest, or license suspension.
  • Red Flags: The messages often lack specific details (no name, vehicle description, or license plate) and use generic, high-pressure language.

If You Receive a Message

  • Do Not Engage: Do not respond to the text, call the number provided in the message, or scan the QR code.
  • Verify Independently: If you believe you may have a legitimate court matter, contact the municipality directly using official phone numbers from government websites.
  • Report the Scam: Report the text to your service provider (often by forwarding to 7726) and report it as spam.
  • Use Official Channels: Only use official, secure sites for payments, such as NJMCDirect for legitimate traffic tickets.

According to the Phishing Scam Alert - NJ Courts, these scammers aim to capitalize on fear to steal personal and financial information. For more information on identifying and reporting such scams, the Essex County Sheriff's Office has issued an official alert.

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