Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd advised the public on June 2 to remain vigilant against a recently reported text message scam involving the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
According to the announcement, the scam consists of text messages that spoof or mimic the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The fraudulent texts allege that ‘First Chief Justice Debra Todd’ is notifying recipients about an incomplete court filing and request payment via PayPal to resolve the issue.
The public is reminded that neither the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania nor any Pennsylvania Courts will ever call or send text messages soliciting payment by credit card, gift card, or any other form of electronic funds transfer for any reason.
The statement advises anyone who receives such a text message from someone claiming to be associated with or calling from the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and requesting money, fines, fees, or court costs, not to provide sensitive information or make payments in any form.
Recipients of these types of texts are encouraged to hang up immediately and contact state and local police as well as the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 441-2555 or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
