The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a fraudulent letter circulating in the area labeled “Final Notice – Court Enforcement Action.”
The notices are designed to look official, often displaying the Missouri state seal and claiming to come from a court. Many include a QR code that directs recipients to make an immediate payment.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, several red flags indicate the letters are fake, including threatening language, vague lists of violations such as toll or parking offenses, and the absence of any personal information tied to the recipient. Officials also note that Missouri does not have statewide toll roads, and legitimate court notices do not demand payment through QR codes.
Residents are urged not to scan the code, not to send money, and not to provide personal information. Any legitimate court matter should be verified using official contact information. Suspected scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Scammers often rely on fear and urgency, the Sheriff’s Office said, and residents should take time to verify anything that seems suspicious.
