The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a wave of scam messages claiming residents owe money for toll violations.
In a recent social media post, the Sheriff’s Office alerted the public to a fake “Notice of Traffic Citation Hearing – Toll Violation” circulating through text messages, emails and even phone calls. The message appears to come from a Georgia court and includes threats of arrest, license suspension or additional penalties if payment is not made immediately.
Officials say the messages are fraudulent and emphasize that legitimate court notifications are never delivered through texts, especially those containing payment links or QR codes.
According to the sheriff’s office, recipients of these messages should avoid clicking links, scanning QR codes, calling listed numbers or providing personal information. Instead, they are encouraged to verify any suspicious notice by contacting courts directly using official contact information.
The Georgia Department of Driver Services has also issued statewide warnings about similar scams, noting that fraudulent messages often create urgency to pressure individuals into paying quickly without verifying legitimacy.
Many residents have reported that they received these messages.
“I have received two texts from them today, I knew it was a scam,” said Melissa Beasley. “You cannot have a toll violation in Fulton when you have not driven your car there since you bought it.”
Residents in Baldwin County say the increase in scam attempts has led to confusion and distrust.
“It has gotten to where we don’t know who to trust,” said Elliot Carroll Taylor. “If I don’t know who they are, I don’t open my emails or text because I have been scammed a couple times.”
Authorities say the toll violation scam is just one example of a growing number of schemes targeting residents through digital platforms. Common scams include fake delivery notifications, impersonation of government agencies and messages claiming unpaid fines or fees.
Officials stress that legitimate government agencies will not demand immediate payment through text messages or threaten arrest without due process.
Warning signs of scams often include poor spelling or grammar, unfamiliar phone numbers, urgent language and requests for payment through unconventional methods.
The sheriff’s office urges anyone who receives suspicious messages to report them and to share warnings with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable to fraud.