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

Judge David Thompson Scam Text Message - Beware
Judge David Thompson Scam Text Message - Beware

The name "David Thompson" is being used in a widespread text message scam designed to trick people into paying fake traffic fines or legal fees. This is a fraudulent campaign targeting residents in multiple states, including Arkansas, Kansas, and Tennessee.

The Scam Text Message

Kansas District Court -

Enforcement Notice

Judge: David Thompson

Clerk: Elena Vargas, Sharee Sanders Gordon

Case #: KS-DC-2026-TR-6384

You must appear in District Court on April 27, 2026 at 9:45 AM regarding your unpaid traffic violation.

Resolve within 12 hours or the court will enforce the following:

- Bench warrant for arrest

- License suspension

- Vehicle impoundment

- Civil judgment

- Wage garnishment

- Asset seizure

Resolve now:

[ website removed so you don't click on it because it's 100% a scam ]

(Do not ignore this message. Reply "Y" to confirm. If the link does not open, please copy it to your browser or reopen the message.)

Have a great day!

Kansas District Court

Details of the Scam

  • The Message: You receive a text claiming you have a "mandatory court appearance" or a "final court summons" for an unpaid traffic violation.
  • The Content: It typically lists Judge David Thompson and Clerk Maria Gonzalez (or Elena Vargas).
  • The Threat: The message warns that failure to pay or appear will result in a warrant, license suspension, and additional late fees (often cited as $185).
  • The Goal: It directs you to a fraudulent link or QR code designed to steal your payment information or personal data.

Red Flags

  • Text Communication: Legitimate courts almost never send summonses or demand fine payments via text message.
  • Suspicious Links: Scammers use lookalike domains (e.g., ending in .life or .one) rather than official government .gov websites.
  • Immediate Payment Demands: Use of high-pressure tactics and urgent threats is a classic sign of fraud.

What to Do

  1. Do not click any links or scan any QR codes in the message.
  2. Do not reply to the text (even with "A" or "C" as requested).
  3. Delete and Report: Delete the message and use your phone's built-in feature to report it as spam.
  4. Verify: If you are genuinely concerned about a ticket, look up the official phone number for your local Arkansas District Court or the Baxter County Clerk's Office and call them directly.
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