Scam text asks for 'electronic toll' payment, creates confusion at courthouse

The top of the text, which is not legitimate. Recipients should not engage with the texter.

Richmond Police and the Commonwealth's Attorney are advising Virginians about an online scam that is asking for electronic toll payment.

The text appears to be an official court document demanding payment, but is not legitimate.

"Do not respond, click links, scan QR codes, or share personal or payment information," police said in a statement. "If you are unsure whether you have any pending violations, please contact the Richmond General District Court Clerk’s Office at (804) 646-6431 for assistance."

Richmond's court system does not send texts regarding court dates.

The scam text appeared to be causing a real commotion on Tuesday morning at the John Marshall Courthouse, as people who received it showed up to try to resolve what they thought was a real infraction.

In the courthouse security line, bailiffs were announcing to the crowd that the text was not real and anyone trying to come inside to deal with it did not need to do so.

The scam appears to be taking advantage of Richmond's recent transition to electronic tolling. Pay-by-mail tolls will be mailed to the house the car is registered to, and will not be sent by text.

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org. Reporter Graham Moomaw contributed to this report.