Richmond toll scam texts send people to the courthouse

State of play: Residents began receiving pictures on Monday of a fake court summons demanding a next-day appearance or immediate payment for unpaid tolls or parking, multiple outlets report.

• Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin told WTVR that the clerk's office received over 200 calls within hours on Monday about it.
• Bailiffs at the courthouse had to tell a crowd on Tuesday morning that the texts weren't real, per The Richmonder.

Zoom in: It's not just Richmond.

• Chesterfield police said they've gotten calls about it.
• And when Hanover Sheriff's Office posted about the fake texts, Hanover residents commented to say they received one, too.
• All are urging people not to respond, click links, scan QR codes or share payment information.

Zoom out: The state Department of Transportation is also telling people to "be on the lookout" and file complaints with the FBI as similar scams pop up statewide.

• Last summer's DMV traffic ticket text scam is back, too, with other fake texts telling people they have traffic tickets that could lead to license suspension if they don't pay them.

Yes, but: The "failure to pay electronic toll" scam might seem believable to some residents because nearly all Richmond-area toll roads switched to all-electronic tolling last month.

• That means drivers without an E-ZPass are now automatically charged and mailed a bill.

Reality check: The key word is "mailed." The court won't send summonses or request payment by text.

• The judge and clerk on the fake summons were also listed as "John Smith" and the hearing was set for the next day, which is uncommon.

The bottom line: If you get the text, delete it.