CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) State and local authorities are alerting residents to a growing text message scam that falsely claims recipients have outstanding court matters.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Justice, reports have increased in recent days from people receiving messages alleging they missed a court appearance or owe fines tied to traffic violations. The texts often appear official, sometimes including what looks like a court document or “notice of hearing,” and urge immediate action to avoid penalties.

Attorney General John M. Formella said the messages are not legitimate and are designed to pressure recipients into clicking links or sending money.

Officials stress that the New Hampshire Judicial Branch does not contact individuals about court cases or payments through unsolicited text messages, nor does it collect fines via links sent by text.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office and Peterborough Police Department, have also shared warnings on social media after seeing similar reports in their communities.

Authorities say the scam messages often share several red flags: they demand immediate payment, threaten consequences such as arrest or license suspension, include unfamiliar links, or lack specific case details.

Residents who receive one of these messages are urged not to click any links, provide personal or financial information, or send money and delete the message.

If you are concerned about the status of a court case, contact the appropriate court directly using official contact information from the NH Judicial Branch website: www.courts.nh.gov.

Officials emphasize that scammers frequently rely on urgency and fear to trick victims, and taking a moment to confirm the legitimacy of a message can help prevent fraud.