Whoa. You may feel like you’re in big trouble — but don’t panic. That “court summons” sitting in your mailbox or the urgent text message blowing up your phone is almost certainly a scam.
These fake legal notices have one goal: to scare you into acting fast.
The message usually claims that you missed paying a toll, failed to appear in court, or owe an immediate fine. The scammers manufacture a sense of urgency to push you toward their link.
Then comes the trap:
A QR code on the letter.
A clickable link in a text message.
A phone number urging you to “resolve” the issue immediately.
Your next step: don’t respond. Don’t scan. Don’t tap.
“A real legal notice comes with proof, a scam comes with pressure,” said Kimberly Reece, Customer Advocacy Manager for the Financial Crimes Unit at Regions. “Slow down, verify and protect yourself.”
How to Identify a Fake Court Summons
Online criminals have become extremely sophisticated, making their scams look official and urgent. Here are the most common warning signs:
- Aggressive or Threatening Language. Scammers insist you act immediately to avoid fines, warrants, or jail time. Legitimate agencies do not communicate this way.
- Requests for Cash, Transfers, or Gift Cards. Law enforcement will never demand payment through instant transfers, prepaid cards, or digital gift cards.
- Spoofed Phone Numbers. Fraudsters can make their call or text appear to come from a real law enforcement office or government agency. If the message asks for payment, it’s not legitimate — no matter what number appears on the screen.
FBI: What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Summons
The FBI routinely warns consumers about these scams. Follow their recommended steps:
- Hang Up or Delete Immediately. Do not engage with the caller or the message sender.
- Verify Through Official Channels. Contact the local court clerk or FBI field office using a phone number listed on their official website — not the number provided in the message.
- Report the Scam. File a report with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
“Fraudsters continue to change their methods of attack,” said Jeff Taylor, head of Commercial Fraud Forensics. “Staying aware of schemes and scams is one of the best tactics for recognizing the red flags and not becoming a victim.”
Bonus Alert: CAPTCHA Scams Are Growing Fast
Most of us recognize CAPTCHAs — those quick “I am not a robot” tests that verify we’re real humans by clicking a box, counting objects or moving puzzle pieces.
Cybercriminals have found a way to exploit that trust.
They now use fake CAPTCHAs to trick users into executing harmful commands on their computers.
A common version instructs you to follow a sequence of keyboard shortcuts: Press Windows Key + R → Ctrl + V → Enter
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, this sequence pastes and runs hidden code a scammer loaded into your clipboard. Once executed, it downloads malware onto your device.
“CAPTCHAs are designed to help combat bots and serve a purpose,” said Reece. “Remember, legitimate companies keep it simple and don’t ask for keyboard commands or shortcuts. Any request for more than what you’re used to is a red flag.”
Remember, legitimate companies keep it simple and don’t ask for keyboard commands or shortcuts. Any request for more than what you’re used to is a red flag.
Kimberly Reece, Customer Advocacy Manager for the Financial Crimes Unit at Regions
What to Do If You Fall Victim to a CAPTCHA Scam
The Identity Theft Resource Center recommends acting immediately:
- Disconnect From Wi‑Fi. Cut off the attacker’s access to your device.
- Change Your Passwords. Use a clean device to update login credentials — especially accounts that share passwords.
- Run a Full Antivirus Scan. A reputable antivirus program can detect and remove many forms of malware.
- Monitor Your Bank Accounts. Look for unauthorized charges and notify your bank immediately if anything looks suspicious.
Additional Resources from Regions.com
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The information presented is general in nature and should not be considered, legal, accounting or tax advice. Regions reminds its customers that they should be vigilant about fraud and security and that they are responsible for taking action to protect their computer systems. Fraud prevention requires a continuous review of your policies and practices, as the threat evolves daily. There is no guarantee that all fraudulent transactions will be prevented or that related financial losses will not occur. Visit regions.com/STOPFRAUD or speak with your Banker for further information on how you can help prevent fraud.