People in eastern Kentucky are being warned about a strange new scam that is spreading through text messages. Officials say the messages may look serious, but they are completely fake and should not be trusted.
Police Issue Warning About New Scam
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has alerted residents about a new type of scam targeting people through text messages. Sheriff Patrick Robinson shared that many citizens in the county have received similar suspicious messages.
These texts claim to be official notices about unpaid tolls, fines, or legal penalties. However, authorities have clearly said that these messages are scams.
What the Scam Message Claims
The fake message tries to scare people by mentioning legal action. It may include:
- A “final notice” warning
- Claims of unpaid tolls or traffic fines
- Mentions of court enforcement action
- Requests to pay money or share personal details
The goal is to create panic so that people act quickly without thinking.
Red Flags That Show It’s Fake
Officials have pointed out several clear mistakes in the message that prove it is not real:
- Kentucky is wrongly called a “state” instead of a commonwealth
- It mentions a court in St. Louis County, which is not in Kentucky
- It refers to a “municipal traffic court,” while Kentucky handles such cases in district courts
These errors are strong signs that the message is not from any official source.
What You Should Do
Authorities are asking people to stay alert and avoid falling for such scams. If you receive a similar message:
- Do not reply to the text
- Do not click on any links
- Do not share personal or banking details
- Do not send money
Simply delete the message and report it if needed.
