Scam Alert: Fake Court Text Messages Targeting Florida Residents

The Office of Angel Colonneso, Esq., Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County is warning residents about a text message scam circulating across Florida.

The message claims to be from the "Florida District Court," stating that a traffic-related obligation is outstanding and demanding payment through an online link. The messages reference fake case numbers, judge names, and court clerk names to appear legitimate.

These messages are fraudulent. Florida courts do not send payment demands by text message.

How to identify this scam:

- The text arrives from an unknown or international phone number
- It references a case number and demands payment via a non-government website
- It threatens a bench warrant, license suspension, or additional penalties if you don't comply
- It asks you to reply "C" to confirm receipt — which alerts scammers that your number is active

What to do:

- Do not click any links in the message
- Do not reply to the message
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Report it to the Florida Attorney General at myfloridalegal.com
- Delete the message

If you have questions about a legitimate court matter in Manatee County, please visit ManateeClerk.com or contact our office directly at (941) 749-1800.