Police Warn of Scam Texts Posing as Court Enforcement Notices in Laurel

LAUREL, Del. — Police in Laurel are warning residents about a scam involving fraudulent text messages that claim recipients owe money for traffic violations and face immediate legal consequences.

According to the Laurel Police Department, the messages include an image of what appears to be an official court document labeled as a “Final Enforcement Notice” from a Montana court. The notice falsely claims the recipient is in default for violations such as unpaid tolls, parking tickets, or speeding infractions.

Authorities say the scam attempts to pressure individuals into making immediate payments by scanning a QR code or following payment instructions included in the message. The document uses official-looking seals and legal language to appear legitimate, but police emphasize it is not connected to any real court proceeding.

Law enforcement officials stress that legitimate courts, including those in Montana or elsewhere, do not notify individuals of violations or demand payment through unsolicited text messages or QR codes.

Police are urging residents — especially older adults who may be less familiar with digital scams — to be cautious. Anyone who receives a similar message is advised not to click links, scan codes, or provide personal or financial information.

Officials recommend deleting the message and reporting it to local law enforcement. Anyone unsure about the legitimacy of a notice can contact their local police department directly for verification.

The Laurel Police Department says raising awareness is key to preventing more people from falling victim to the scam.