Clerk of Court Stacy Kleist warns of text scam

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – The Richland County Clerk of Court is warning area residents to be wary of text messages made to look like they are coming from the Wisconsin DMV.

Clerk of Court Stacy Kleist reports that her office has received numerous calls from people concerned about outstanding traffic fines. Area residents are receiving text messages stating that the individuals have unpaid traffic violations.

The message states that, if left unpaid, the unpaid ticket will result in suspension of their vehicle registration and driving privileges. The messages also indicate the possibility of prosecution and negative impact to credit scores.

SAMPLE OF SCAM TEXT BEING SENT

According to Kleist, these text messages contain a link which urges people to pay immediately. Kleist advises it’s very important not to click this link.

The Clerk of Court notes that, while her office does collect traffic fines for tickets that go through the Richland County Circuit Court, her office does not send text messages regarding outstanding fines. Kleist says the fact that these fraudulent messages contain a link and people are encouraged to click the link is very concerning. Often, this is how bad actors access a person’s private information or infect a person’s device with
malware.

If a person receives one of these text messages, do not click the link. To find out if you have an outstanding traffic or other financial obligation with the Circuit Court in Richland or any other Wisconsin county, go to wicourts.gov.

That is the website for access to Circuit Court records in the State of Wisconsin.

It’s the one people often refer to as “CCAP.” If still unsure whether you have an unpaid court obligation, call the Richland County Clerk of Court office. The number is 608-647-3956.

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