Scam Alert: Fake Court Citation Texts Circulating
Don’t panic. Don’t click. Here’s what to do if you get one.
The Elkins Police Department recently learned of a text message scam targeting West Virginia residents. The message claims you have an unpaid traffic citation or toll violation and threatens court action, fines, or even license suspension if you don’t pay immediately through a provided link.
This is a scam.
No law enforcement agency—local, county, or state—will ever contact you about a citation by text message. Real court notices come by mail, not by phone or text.
If you receive a text like this:
- Do not click the link. It could lead to identity theft or install malicious software on your phone.
- Do not reply. Responding confirms your phone number is active and may lead to more scam attempts.
- Do forward the message to 7726 (SPAM). This alerts your cell phone provider.
- Do report it to the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.
- Do block the number and delete the message.
- Remember this rule of thumb: The more you block numbers like this, the less likely you’ll receive these scam messages.
Three red flags to look for:
- Urgency – Scammers want to pressure you into taking action before you think.
- Payment by link – Real law enforcement agencies and courts don’t collect fines through random text links.
- Suspicious web addresses – Look closely. Many scam sites mimic real .gov addresses but have small misspellings or unusual endings.
Still unsure? Contact the Elkins Police Department or your local law enforcement agency. Call them directly using a phone number you know is legitimate—not one from the text. They will help you figure out if any such text (or email) is real.
City Hall News: Week of August 23, 2026
The City of Elkins reminds residents to sign up for local emergency alerts, especially as periods of stormy weather continue. The city is also accepting applications for several job openings. No city council, committee or board meetings are currently scheduled for next […]
Read More
Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco Sworn In as President of West Virginia Municipal League
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 7, 2026 — Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco was sworn in as president of the West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) for the 2026–2027 term during an Aug. 6 ceremony in Charleston. Outgoing president and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin […]
Read More
Work for Elkins Wastewater Dept. as a Technician, a Career AI Can’t Replace
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 4, 2026 — The City of Elkins Wastewater Department is searching for a Wastewater Collection Technician I, II or III. This is a full-time position with benefits and will remain open until the position is filled. Final placement […]
Read More
EFD Accepting Applications for Entry-Level Firefighters Through Aug. 21
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 3, 2026 — The Elkins Fire Department (EFD) is seeking candidates for entry-level appointment to the ranks of paid, civil-service firefighters. Although there are currently no immediate openings, the department is accepting applications from Monday, Aug. 3, through […]
Read MoreCity Hall News: Week of August 2, 2026
ELKINS, W.Va. — August 1, 2026 — The City of Elkins thanks local community groups and residents for their support for our neighbors in Upshur and Lewis Counties. We are deeply grateful for their generosity. Elkins Water Department is Hiring! The City […]
Read More
Build a Career with Elkins Water Department – Water Technician Openings (Level I, II or III)
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 31, 2026 — The City of Elkins Water Distribution Department (Water Department) seeks a Water Technician I, II or III to help manage the municipal water system at the plant located at 192 High Street Extension. This job […]
Read More