A fraudulent text message demanding payment for unpaid traffic fines is being sent to folks in the area, according to the Fayetteville Police Department (FPD). A photo of the official looking text is on the FPD Facebook page, along with a warning to residents not to fall for the deception.

The text starts out with State of Tennessee Final Legal Demand — unpaid traffic fines. The scammers list a file number, enforcement date, T.C.A. code and states it is a final notice. The text warns of permanent revocation of your Tennessee driver license, suspension of all personal vehicle registrations, additional court fines, late fees and penalties, a Bench warrant for your arrest, referral to collection agency and civil judgement and permanent adverse marks on your driving record. The text instructs the receiver to pay immediately via a portal or text link to avoid enforcement.

The FPD urges residents to refrain from clicking any links, scanning codes, or sending money in response to the messages, adding they will never request payment via text. The department requests residents report receiving the text message to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3. gov. FPD encourages the public to contact them at 931-438-7771 or visit Fayetteville City Hall should they receive this text.