Burleigh County officials warned on May 4 that a new scam is targeting North Dakota residents by sending fraudulent messages demanding payment of fines and threatening court appearances.
The warning comes as scammers attempt to deceive individuals with aggressive tactics, including sending images that claim recipients must pay a fine or face legal consequences. The county advises that state courts and local law enforcement agencies will never call or threaten individuals, nor demand immediate payment for fines or traffic citations over the phone or through money wire services.
Residents are urged to be cautious if they receive calls demanding immediate payment of alleged court fines or threatening arrest. The advisory states: “Do not give out credit card information or make a payment. Do not share any personal information, such as your social security number. Report the call to your local law enforcement agency.”
Officials emphasize the importance of protecting personal information and verifying any suspicious communications before taking action. They remind the public that legitimate authorities will not use these methods to collect payments.
As scams continue to evolve, Burleigh County encourages vigilance among residents and recommends reporting any such incidents promptly to help prevent further fraudulent activity.
