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

Connecticut Superior Court Scam Text Messages
Connecticut Superior Court Scam Text Messages

Connecticut State Police warn of a smishing scam where scammers send text messages, often from foreign or unknown numbers, posing as the "Connecticut Superior Court" or "Connecticut State Police Court". These fake messages threaten license or vehicle registration suspension due to unpaid traffic citations, demanding immediate payment via a suspicious link.

About the Scam

  • Traffic Citation Text Scam: You may receive a text message claiming you have an "unresolved traffic citation" or "unpaid toll". The message often includes a fake citation number and a link to a fraudulent payment portal that looks like a CT DMV site.
  • Jury Duty Phoning Scam: Scammers call claiming there was a "delivery problem" with your jury notice and demand personal information or payment to avoid legal action.
  • "Notice to Appear" Email Scam: Phony emails with the subject line "Notice to Appear" contain attachments that may carry malware or viruses.

Red Flags

  • Method of Contact: Connecticut courts do not initiate contact via text message or email for payments or summonses; they typically use official U.S. mail.
  • Threats & Urgency: Messages often use alarming language, such as threatening to suspend your driver's license or vehicle registration within hours if you do not pay.
  • Suspicious Links/QR Codes: Any request to pay via a link in a text message, QR code, or gift card is a scam.
  • Demands for Sensitive Info: The court will never call to ask for your Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information over the phone.

What to Do

  1. Do Not Click: Avoid clicking any links or opening attachments in suspicious messages.
  2. Report the Scam: Forward fraudulent text messages to 7726 (SPAM) and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
  3. Verify Directly: If you are concerned about a real case or citation, contact your local court clerk's office or the Jury Administration at 1-800-842-8175 using verified numbers from official state websites.
waiting