COLUMBUS COUNTY — The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a text message scam that falsely claims recipients have outstanding toll or traffic violations and must pay immediately or appear in court.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the messages appear to come from Wake County District Court and may include real names, addresses, and references to judges or law enforcement — all designed to make the notice look official and urgent.
Officials: “This is a scam.”
“These messages are fraudulent,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a public alert. “Court officials and law enforcement will never request sensitive financial information via text or email.”
Scammers may use tactics such as:
- Referencing local courts and locations
- Including your name and address
- Mentioning real judges or agencies
- Formatting the message to resemble an official legal document
Red Flags to Watch For
The Sheriff’s Office says it is a scam if the message asks for:
- Social Security numbers
- Credit or debit card information
- Payments via QR codes, links, money apps, or prepaid cards
What to Do
Residents who receive such messages are urged to:
- Do not click links or scan QR codes
- Do not respond or send money
- Mark the message as spam or junk
- Delete the message immediately
If you’re unsure whether a court notice is legitimate, contact your local Clerk of Superior Court directly to verify.
More Information
The North Carolina Judicial Branch has issued a statewide warning about similar scams.
Learn more: nccourts.gov/news/tag/press-release/scam-alert
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