PIERRE, S.D.—The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is warning the public about a recent surge in fraudulent text messages. These scams masquerade as official communications from state or municipal courts, targeting unsuspecting individuals with claims of unpaid traffic violations.
The fraudulent messages direct recipients to scan a QR code or click a link allegedly to settle fines, referencing violations such as unpaid tolls, traffic citations, or court enforcement actions. However, South Dakota residents should be aware that these messages are not legitimate. Notably, South Dakota does not have toll roads, and any message referring to unpaid toll violations is an unmistakable sign of deceit.
Alisa Bousa, the Public Information Officer, emphasized that the South Dakota court system does not send text messages demanding payment for fines, fees, or citations. Official communications are exclusively conducted through formal written notices or in-person proceedings.
Citizens who receive such scam texts are advised to exercise caution by:
- Not clicking on links or scanning QR codes in unsolicited messages.
- Avoiding the provision of personal or financial information, or sending money.
- Deleting the scam message immediately.
- Reporting the scam to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division via their website or to the Federal Trade Commission through their reporting platform.
If there are concerns regarding legitimate court matters, individuals should directly contact their local Clerk of Courts using the official court contact information available on the South Dakota court portal.
The UJS encourages South Dakotans to remain vigilant. Sharing this information can help prevent others from becoming victims of fraud. For further details on identifying and handling such scams, visit the UJS’s informational page on South Dakota court scams.
About South Dakota Courts: The South Dakota Unified Judicial System comprises the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and the State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court serves as the state’s highest court, acting as the final authority on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts fulfill the role of trial courts where criminal cases and civil litigations are managed. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides essential administrative support services for the judiciary. More information is available on the UJS website.