Melfort RCMP are warning residents about a scam that is currently circulating throughout the Melfort RCMP Detachment area.
According to police, several people have reported receiving text messages that appear to come from the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan.
The messages falsely accuse recipients of committing a traffic violation and attempt to make the communication appear legitimate by including detailed information.
The fraudulent texts reportedly contain the name of a police officer, the name of a judge, and a court case reference number.
They also provide a date that the recipient is supposedly required to attend court.
However, the messages do not include the location of the court appearance, which is one indication the communication is not legitimate.
In addition, the text message directs recipients to a website where they are instructed to deal with the alleged court summons and traffic violation.
Do Not Click the Link!
RCMP stress that these messages are in fact fraudulent and residents should not click on any links included in the text message.
Police remind the public that neither law enforcement agencies nor the courts advise people of criminal charges or court appearances through unsolicited text messages.
How Legitimate Notifications Are Delivered
Residents should be aware that legitimate traffic enforcement notices are delivered through official channels:
- Photo radar tickets are mailed through Canada Post.
- Other charges are typically served in person by a police officer.
- Police and courts do not notify individuals of charges through text messages containing website links.
What To Do If You Receive the Message
If you receive one of these fraudulent text messages:
- Ignore it.
- Delete the message.
- Block the sender.
- Do not click any links.
- Do not provide personal or financial information.
RCMP say there is no need to report these messages to police, and no further action is required if you have simply received the text and have not interacted with it.
Authorities encourage residents to remain vigilant and to share this warning with family members and friends who may also receive the scam message.