Court officials in the Maricopa County are warning residents about a rise in scam messages falsely demanding payment for traffic-related fines, as fraudsters increasingly target people across the Phoenix metro area.
According to the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, the scam involves text messages and emails that claim recipients owe money for violations such as toll fees, speeding tickets, or parking infractions. These messages often create a sense of urgency, warning of legal consequences if payment is not made before a supposed court hearing scheduled as soon as the next morning.
A key tactic used by scammers is impersonating a non-existent entity called a “Superior Court Traffic Division.” Officials stress that no such division operates within the county’s court system, making any communication under that name a clear red flag.
The scam has already caused confusion. Authorities reported that dozens of individuals appeared in court after receiving the fraudulent notices, believing they had legitimate hearings scheduled.
Officials emphasize that legitimate court operations—including Superior Court, Adult Probation, and Juvenile Probation—do not demand payments through threatening messages, nor do they request that individuals resolve fines by scanning QR codes. Such tactics are commonly associated with attempts to install malware or steal sensitive personal and financial information.
Residents are advised to delete suspicious messages immediately and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments. Another warning sign is the demand for payment through hard-to-trace methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Court representatives reiterated that official agencies will never request immediate payment over the phone, by text, or via email, and they do not ask for sensitive details like Social Security numbers through these channels.
