Cape Girardeau County sheriff warns residents about fake toll violation scam

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving fake toll violation notices that claim to come from a Missouri court.

Authorities say the notices often tell recipients they failed to pay a toll and instruct them to scan a QR code or click a link to make a payment.

The sheriff’s office said the messages are designed to look official and pressure people into paying quickly.

Officials remind residents that Missouri does not operate toll roads, and courts do not request payment by scanning QR codes.

Anyone who receives a message like this should avoid scanning the code, clicking links or sending payment. Instead, residents should verify any court-related claims directly through the Missouri court system.

Officials say legitimate court cases can be verified through the Missouri courts website.

The sheriff’s office encourages residents to take a moment to verify suspicious messages before responding to help protect themselves and others from scams.