Hutchinson residents warned of traffic ticket scam texts, calls
Information obtained from Hutchinson Police Department
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Reno County residents are receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls falsely claiming they owe money for traffic tickets, and officials are urging the public not to respond.
The scam messages have been identified as coming from senders falsely claiming to represent the "Kansas Department of Motor Vehicles," a court or another government agency. Hutchinson Municipal Court has received numerous calls from residents asking whether the messages are legitimate.
Officials say residents should be especially wary of any message that creates a sense of urgency or threatens arrest, driver's license suspension, a warrant or increased fines if payment is not made immediately.
Government agencies and courts do not demand immediate payment by text message, and they do not accept payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, peer-to-peer payment apps or unsolicited "click-to-pay" links.
Residents who receive such a message should not respond, click any links or open any attachments. Anyone who receives a call should hang up immediately. Personal or financial information — including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, driver's license numbers, bank account information or card numbers — should never be provided in response to an unexpected message.
Residents with questions may contact the Hutchinson Police Department's non-emergency line at 620-694-2816.