Denver Authorities Alert Public to Fake Toll Court Summons Text Scam
Denver officials are warning residents about a new scam making the rounds that falsely claims recipients owe unpaid toll fees and are required to appear in court. The scam, which arrives by text message, is designed to look like an official court summons and even includes a QR code that victims are urged to scan to avoid arrest or penalties.
According to the Colorado Judicial Branch, Denver County Court, and the Denver Police Department, the message falsely states that the recipient failed to pay a toll and must respond immediately or face legal consequences. The text offers what appears to be a quick solution — scanning a QR code to resolve the issue — but officials say that’s exactly how scammers attempt to steal personal and financial information.
Denver County Court spokesperson Carolyn Tyler said the scam looks convincing and is crafted to create urgency. In one case, a court employee’s family member received the fraudulent message, allowing officials to review it firsthand. Tyler emphasized that real court notifications are not sent this way and do not pressure recipients to act immediately via text or QR code.
Authorities say any message demanding instant payment to avoid arrest should raise red flags. Anyone who receives a suspicious text like this is encouraged not to respond or scan the code. Complaints can be filed with the Denver District Attorney’s Office at 720-913-9179 or with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office at stopfraudcolorado.gov.
