Williamson County residents warned of scam targeting unpaid traffic citations

MARION, Ill., (KBSI) — The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a scam involving fictitious text messages claiming outstanding unpaid traffic tickets.

The messages, which are spam, instruct recipients to click a link to pay the supposed debt. Authorities warn that responding or following the link could lead to fraud.

The scam is designed to create a sense of urgency, demanding payment to resolve the purported legal issue.

Residents are advised to ignore such messages and never meet scammers in person or give them money.

Legitimate traffic citations are paid at the Williamson County Circuit Clerk’s Office in the courthouse.

The sheriff’s office does not solicit money over the phone, and cash bonds are generally not required in Illinois criminal cases.

Anyone receiving suspicious calls, texts or emails should report them to the sheriff’s office at 618-997-6541.

The office is investigating the matter.