What the FTC warned about
On April 14, 2026, the FTC warned about texts that look like official traffic hearing notices with a QR code. Scanning it leads to sites that steal personal and financial information, install malware, or take payment for a fine that does not exist (FTC). The FTC had earlier warned (July 2025) about scammers posing as state Departments of Motor Vehicles.
Look up the number that contacted you
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Signs it is fake
- It arrived by text with no prior letter.
- It asks you to scan a QR code or click a link to pay.
- It threatens license suspension, a warrant or extra fees within hours.
- It does not include a real case number you can look up on the court's own website.
What to do
- Do not scan the code or click the link.
- Look up the court or DMV yourself and check your record there. State court websites are listed in our state public records guides.
- Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) so your carrier can block the sender, then delete them. Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.