Got a text about NJ traffic violations? It's a scam
By: Kaitlyn Kanzler
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... New Jersey law enforcement has sounded the alarm warning the public about a new text message scam.
.....
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office issued a warning about a text message scam intended to scare people into thinking they owe money for traffic violations. The New Jersey Courts, website also warned about the scam.
..... The Prosecutor's Office said the message tell people to click on a link to get more information on the alleged cases, but the link is fake and can be used to steal personal and finical information. Some of the messages show a quick-response, or QR code, which is easily scanned with a phone's camera.
..... "This is not how the courts or law enforcement communicate with the public," said Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II. "If you receive this message, do not click on any links or provide personal information. simply delete it."
..... Essex County sheriff Amir Jones said to "stay-alert,: to trust instances and to ignore the message.
..... In a recently sent scam text to a NorthJersey.com reporter from a number in a Texas area code, the attached picture showed the state seal with several mistakes, including incorrect colors and the word "seal" repeated.
..... The top of the message said "in the municipal court of the County of Essex" but didn't specify in which town the violation occurred, and it used the county courthouse address.
..... Random words were bolded, and it accused the recipient of failing to pay an electronic toll/toll evasion, a parking violation and a speeding violation.
..... The Prosecutor's Office said to report any information related to criminal activity to its office tip line at 877-847-7432.