ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford police are warning residents about a text message scam impersonating the Circuit Court of Cook County, with fraudulent “Notice of Hearing – Traffic Violation” alerts urging victims to scan QR codes or make immediate payments.
According to a City of Rockford Facebook post, the messages falsely claim to be official court notices and often include links or QR codes directing recipients to phony payment sites. Authorities emphasized that the messages are scams and not legitimate communications from any court.
“Courts do NOT send official hearing notices via text message,” the public alert says. “Requests to scan a QR code or make an immediate payment are red flags. These messages are designed to create urgency and pressure you to act quickly.”…