Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam text message circulating locally that falsely claims recipients owe money for unpaid tolls or traffic violations and must act immediately to avoid penalties.
The message, which appears to come from “NC Quick Pass” or a government agency, uses urgent language such as “final delinquency notice” and threatens consequences including DMV registration holds, fines, tax refund interception, and damage to credit. It often directs recipients to click a link or use a “secure processing portal” to make a payment.
A similar scam recently reported by the North Carolina court system involves fraudulent messages claiming recipients have an outstanding traffic violation and must pay a fine or appear in court. Those messages may include official-looking graphics, fake names, or QR codes designed to appear legitimate.
“These messages are meant to look official, but they’re not,” said Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson. “Before you take any action, make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate source. A quick check can save you from giving away your money or personal information.”
Officials emphasize:
- Government agencies, including tolling authorities and courts, do not demand immediate payment via unsolicited text messages.
- Messages that threaten immediate penalties or use high-pressure language are common tactics used by scammers.
- Links and QR codes in these messages may lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information.
Residents who receive suspicious messages are encouraged to:
- Delete the message without responding.
- Avoid clicking any links or scanning QR codes.
- Contact the appropriate agency directly using verified contact information if they have concerns about a legitimate account or citation.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency.