The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles warned on Mar. 24 that motorists are being targeted by a fraudulent scheme using counterfeit court notices. These fake documents claim to come from Florida county courts and judicial offices, stating that recipients have outstanding traffic or toll violations and must pay immediately.
The department said the scam involves documents that closely resemble official government correspondence. The notices may reference Florida Statutes, use fabricated case numbers, threaten license suspension or registration holds, mention default judgments, and provide QR codes leading to unauthorized payment portals. Some communications also include unsolicited hearing dates or instructions for immediate payment.
Officials emphasized that these messages are not sent by any Florida court, clerk’s office, or state agency. Residents are reminded that legitimate government entities do not request payments through QR codes, third-party links, or unverified online platforms.
“REMEMBER: FLHSMV will never contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest,” the department said in its statement.
Authorities urge anyone who receives such suspicious messages not to click any links and not to share personal or financial information. The department recommends reporting these incidents to the Federal Trade Commission as well as local law enforcement immediately.
The warning comes amid ongoing efforts by officials to protect residents from scams targeting drivers across the state.
