04/17/2026
**********SCAM ALERT**********
Klamath County residents are being targeted by a new text-message scam that includes a fake “Final Court-Ordered Mandatory Collection Notice” and a QR code demanding payment for an alleged traffic violation.
Scam description
• Victims receive a text message with an attached image that appears to be an official State of Oregon court notice, often showing a Multnomah County Circuit Court “traffic division” form, a case number, and a court date.
• The notice threatens serious consequences such as default judgment, license suspension, and additional fines if you do not immediately pay or appear.
• The document includes a QR code or link and directs you to scan it to “remit full payment” for tolls, parking tickets, or speeding violations.
Why this is a scam
• Scammers are sending these messages statewide and in other states, using copied seals, case numbers, and fake judge names to make them look official.
• Their goal is to get you to scan the QR code so they can steal your personal and financial information or install malware on your device.
• The Oregon Judicial Department has confirmed that these images and texts are not legitimate court notices and that courts will not demand payment or personal information by unsolicited text with a QR code.
What Klamath County Sheriff’s Office will and will not do
• The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office does not initiate contact with citizens by text message to demand payment of fines, fees, or warrants, and we will not ask you to pay using QR codes, gift cards, wire transfers, or peer to peer apps.
• While legitimate courts may use text reminders for jury service or court dates, those messages do not threaten arrest or demand immediate payment or sensitive information.
• If you actually owe a fine or have a warrant, you will be notified through normal court processes, and you can always verify directly with the court or our office using official phone numbers and websites.
How to protect yourself
• Do not scan any QR code or click any link in an unsolicited text or email about a traffic ticket, toll, or court case.
• Do not reply to the message, provide personal information, or send money, even if the message appears to include your name, a case number, or an official-looking seal.
• If you receive one of these messages, independently look up the court or agency using a trusted source (such as the official courts.oregon.gov or co.klamath.or.us websites) and call to confirm before taking any action.
What to do if you get this text
• Take a screenshot of the message and image, then delete the text from your device without clicking any links or scanning the QR code.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Oregon Judicial Department if the message claims to be from a court.
If you are unsure whether a court notice or law enforcement contact is legitimate, call the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office or the named court directly using published contact information, never the phone number, link, or QR code provided in the message.