Sturgeon Bay, WI – Residents across Door County and parts of northeast Wisconsin are being warned today about a growing text message scam claiming to be from the Wisconsin State Patrol, targeting drivers with fake unpaid traffic citations.
According to the Door County Sheriff’s Office, multiple individuals have reported receiving messages stating they owe money for an “unresolved traffic infraction,” often including a payment link and threats of additional penalties if not paid immediately. Authorities stress these messages are fraudulent and not sent by any legitimate law enforcement agency.
The scam messages typically urge recipients to act quickly, sometimes claiming payment is due the same day. Officials say this sense of urgency is a common tactic used to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive financial information.
Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate traffic citations in Wisconsin are handled through official court systems or mailed notices, not unsolicited text messages demanding payment. The sheriff’s office advises residents to avoid clicking any links, not provide personal or banking information, and delete suspicious messages immediately.
Officials also recommend contacting local law enforcement or the appropriate court directly using verified phone numbers if there is any doubt about a citation. Reporting these scams can help authorities track patterns and prevent further incidents.
The warning applies not only to Door County but also to surrounding communities in northeast Wisconsin, as similar scams have been reported statewide in recent months.
Residents are urged to remain cautious, especially as text-based scams continue to increase in frequency and sophistication.
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