Officials say the scam typically comes as a message that appears to be from the traffic division of a Kansas district court. The message may include a fake case number and even the name of a judge who does not exist, and it pushes the recipient to scan a QR code to make a payment.
The judicial branch says anyone can check whether they actually have a case pending in Kansas district court by using the Kansas District Court Records CaseSearch. If a traffic infraction shows up in CaseSearch, it will also generally indicate whether there are unpaid fines or fees. The CaseSearch site also links to the KSCourts Central Payment Center, where payments can be made online.
Courts are also urging the public to review the “Spot the Scam” webpage if they’re contacted by someone claiming to be with a court. The page highlights warning signs, including unexpected contact by text, call, or email using fake-looking information; requests for personal information like Social Security numbers or bank details; and demands for immediate payment, often through gift cards or apps such as PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App.
The judicial branch says the Spot the Scam page also includes guidance on reporting scams and links to court contact information statewide.
