WESTFORD CENTER — The Westford Police Department are warning residents in town about a convincing new scam involving fake traffic violation notices being sent by text message.
Police first learned about the scam on April 1, which they said targets drivers with messages claiming they owe money for unpaid parking tickets or toll violations. Police said victims may receive links,QR codes, or official-looking documents designed to mimic legitimate court paperwork.
“No joke… even on April Fools’ Day!” police said in an announcement on social media.
“These fake ‘traffic violation’ text messages are about as authentic as an April Fools’ Day prank — don’t get fooled!”
In the announcement, police included an example of the scam, a document labeled as a notice from the Boston Municipal Court traffic division, complete with a case number, a judge’s name, and references to Massachusetts General Laws. The notice warns of “immediate action required” and threatens serious consequences like license suspension, added penalties, or even court action if payment is not made.
However, police said the document is fake and meant to pressure people into paying quickly without verifying the claim.
Police added that the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles will never request payment via text message and the Massachusetts Trial Court does not send texts or emails demanding payment for violations.
“Do not click links or scan QR codes from unexpected messages, do not provide personal or financial information,” the police announcement said. “When in doubt, go directly to official websites or contact the agency. If it feels suspicious, it probably is. Stay smart and don’t let scammers make you the punchline.”
The scam comes the same day a cyberattack temporarily took down phones and public safety communications systems in several Massachusetts towns, including Westford’s neighbor, Groton. The systems went down after the Patriot Regional Emergency Communications Center in Pepperell was attacked on April 1, but were restored later that day. Westford’s public safety dispatchers were not affected by the cyberattack.
Westford Police Chief Mark Chambers warned about the threat of different types of new scams during Westford’s Annual Town Meeting on March 28. He also explained to voters that Article 21 of the meeting would amend the town’s general bylaws to prohibit virtual currency kiosks, such as cryptocurrency ATMs, in public areas in town, which he said would reduce the threat of scammers targeting members of the community.
“Article 21 will prohibit the installation and use of virtual currency kiosks – Bitcoin ATMs – in publicly accessible locations in Westford,” Police Chief Mark Chambers said. “The purpose is to prevent crime, protect residents’ property and address scams enabled by anonymous and sometimes irreversible crypto transactions.”
