South Dakota texts that threaten a fine or arrest for a traffic or jury matter
South Dakota Attorney GeneralSouth Dakota
On April 22, 2026, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley warned about text messages that appear to come from law enforcement or circuit courts. The messages claim the recipient faces a fine or arrest for an unpaid traffic violation, a toll, or missed jury duty. The attorney general said law enforcement agencies and court offices will never send these messages by text.
The Consumer Protection Division also reminded people that scammers can spoof a phone number so the text or call looks local, and that high-pressure demands for money or personal information should be refused.
Red flags
- A text says a South Dakota court or police agency will fine or arrest you over a ticket, a toll, or jury duty.
- The message includes a link or a phone number and tells you to pay now.
- The number looks official. The attorney general noted that numbers can be spoofed.
- You are told to deposit a check and then wire or send money back.
How to protect yourself
- Do not reply, do not tap the link, and delete texts from unknown senders.
- If you want to check a real case, hang up or ignore the text and call the agency on a number it publishes. Do not use a number from the message.
- Do not give personal or financial information by phone or text.
- Talk with someone you trust before you send money to anyone who contacted you unexpectedly.
If you are hit
- Contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 800-300-1986 or consumer.sd.gov/
- If you clicked a link or paid, tell your bank or card issuer and report the message at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- For an internet payment or a fake court website, also file at ic3.gov
Questions
Is South Dakota texts that threaten a fine or arrest for a traffic or jury matter a scam?
On April 22, 2026, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley warned about text messages that appear to come from law enforcement or circuit courts. The messages claim the recipient faces a fine or arrest for an unpaid traffic violation, a toll, or missed jury duty. The attorney general said law enforcement agencies and court offices will never send these messages by text. This page summarizes a public warning from South Dakota Attorney General dated April 22, 2026. The linked source is the record.
What should I do if I fell for it?
Contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 800-300-1986 or https://consumer.sd.gov/. If you clicked a link or paid, tell your bank or card issuer and report the message at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov. For an internet payment or a fake court website, also file at https://www.ic3.gov.
Sources
- Attorney General Jackley Warns Public About Public Agency ScamsSouth Dakota Attorney General
This summary is informational and not legal advice. If it and the linked source disagree, follow the source.
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