Texts with a QR code and a fake traffic-hearing notice
Federal Trade CommissionNationwide
On April 14, 2026, the FTC said it had seen a spike in reports, over the prior month, of text messages that include a picture of what looks like a traffic-hearing notice. The text carries a QR code and says you must scan it to pay a violation and avoid court. It may show a state seal, a case number, and a hearing date and time, then offer two choices: attend the hearing or pay now.
The message lists consequences such as default judgments, fines, and enforcement if you do not respond. The FTC says those details are there to push a quick scan. Opening the code can be used to steal a Social Security or card number, to put malware on the phone, and to take money.
Red flags
- A text includes a QR code and a picture of a hearing notice for a traffic case you do not recognize.
- The message names a deadline and threatens a default judgment or other enforcement.
- A seal, case number, or hearing time is used to make the text look like a court document.
- The only way to respond is the link or code inside the message.
How to protect yourself
- Do not reply and do not scan the QR code.
- If you think a real case exists, look it up on the court's own website or call the court on a number you already trust. Do not use contact details from the text.
- Forward unwanted texts to 7726 and use your phone's junk-reporting tool, then delete the message.
If you are hit
- If you scanned the code and entered information, change any password you typed and watch your accounts.
- If you paid, contact the card issuer or payment company right away. The FTC's guide is at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed
- Report the text at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Questions
Is Texts with a QR code and a fake traffic-hearing notice a scam?
On April 14, 2026, the FTC said it had seen a spike in reports, over the prior month, of text messages that include a picture of what looks like a traffic-hearing notice. The text carries a QR code and says you must scan it to pay a violation and avoid court. It may show a state seal, a case number, and a hearing date and time, then offer two choices: attend the hearing or pay now. This page summarizes a public warning from Federal Trade Commission dated April 14, 2026. The linked source is the record.
What should I do if I fell for it?
If you scanned the code and entered information, change any password you typed and watch your accounts. If you paid, contact the card issuer or payment company right away. The FTC's guide is at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed. Report the text at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
- That text about a traffic violation is probably a scamFTC Consumer Advice
This summary is informational and not legal advice. If it and the linked source disagree, follow the source.
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