The Phoenix Police Department has flagged a rash of scam text messages targeting residents with fraudulent demands to pay for nonexistent speeding tickets. These texts purport to be from the City of Phoenix or the Phoenix Municipal Court, falsely informing individuals that a "speed monitoring camera" has caught them speeding especially in a school zone and that they can settle the issue by paying through a linked website, instead of appearing in court, as reported ABC15.

These deceitful messages which are crafted to appear legitimate and coax people into financial submission, take residents down a rabbit hole of deception ending in them being separated from their hard-earned money, in a statement made available to 12 News, the authorities have clarified that residents should discard such texts immediately, verifying the non-existence of such automated ticketing via text message or email from the Phoenix Municipal Court.

With this increasing trend of digital trickery, the Phoenix Police urge the public to be vigilant and disregard any such communication demanding payment through unconventional means, emphasizing that the court does not solicit payments via text or email, and encouraging anyone uncertain about a supposed traffic violation to directly contact the Phoenix court at 602-262-6421 to verify any claims.

Phoenix Police spokesperson Sergeant Mayra Reeson implores the public to maintain a critical eye when it comes to unverified texts claiming municipal authority and seeking monetary recompense the statement reiterated that "If you receive this text or a similar one, do not visit the website, do not make payment and immediately delete it," emphasizing that these scams are in no way affiliated with the City of Phoenix or the Phoenix Municipal Court, according to ABC15.