Officials are warning of rising phishing scams across Michigan, including cases in Van Buren and Kalamazoo Counties.
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My rule of thumb is simple: if I don’t recognize the phone number or email address, I don’t answer or open it. And it’s a rule that’s served me well!
Authorities with both the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and Kalamazoo County Sherrif’s Office say they have seen a recent rise in phishing scams regarding a supposed missed appearance with the Michigan court system.
I call that the oldest trick in the book.
According to a social media post from the sheriff’s office in Van Buren, the document in question claims to be a notice from the Wayne County District Court Traffic Division and states the recipient an “active enforcement status” for either:
- Toll evasion
- Parking violation
- Speeding violation
However, the verbiage used in this scam is meant to create a sense of panic and urgency, hoping the recipient will simply scan the QR code and pay the “fee” rather than avoid harsher penalties or jail time.
This notice is not legitimate…Residents are advised not to make any payments or provide personal information if they receive a notice like this. Instead, verify any legal matter directly with the appropriate court using publicly listed contact information. –Van Buren County Michigan Sheriffs Office via Facebook…