The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving fake text messages that claim to be official speeding violation notices.
Sheriff Derek Osborne says the office was notified that at least one of these fraudulent messages has now been received in Tompkins County. The scam texts, similar to those recently reported by the City of Cortland Police Department, falsely claim a speed camera recorded a violation and often threaten consequences such as problems with vehicle inspections if immediate payment is not made.
According to law enforcement, the messages typically urge recipients to pay within a short time frame and include a suspicious payment link. Officials stress that these texts are not sent by any New York State or local law enforcement agency.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that legitimate traffic violations are never issued or paid for via text message. Official citations are sent through the mail, and courts do not demand payment through electronic links sent to a phone.
Residents who receive a message like this are urged to delete it immediately, not respond, and report it to their mobile carrier as spam. Anyone who believes they may have clicked on a link or provided personal or financial information should contact their bank or credit card company right away.
The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to remain vigilant and share this warning with friends and family to help prevent others from falling victim to the scam.
