Latest Scam in Minnesota is About Fake Traffic Violations

A Scam in Minnesota That Showed Up In My Inbox Again

If you have this e-mail in your inbox, DO NOT click on any of the links!

About two years ago, I accidentally ran a red light.  I didn't mean to.  I have guilt about it so don't feel the need to send me any messages saying I should get in trouble for breaking the law.  It's not an excuse but to be completely honest, it was my first day driving again after staying at home forever after the pandemic started and I just had a brain fart.  I literally forgot how to drive for a second.  Thankfully, downtown Rochester was a complete ghost town and I didn't see another car or person for at least 10 blocks.

On June 11th, 2020, I had a message in my work inbox that said,

Message intended for: Jessica Williams

Mr./Ms. Williams, our traffic cameras recorded you running a red light on June 1, 2020. As such, you have been charged with a traffic citation.

You may contest this citation in court, or pay the fine online at gov-co.com/citations/payonline. You may do so no sooner than June 14, 2020, and no later than June 18, 2020.
Thank you for your attention,
Department of Transportation

There was one huge problem with that e-mail though.  I didn't leave my house at all on June 1st, 2020.

Earlier this week, that same e-mail showed up again.  Just different dates.

"Who are these people that have so much time on their hands to scam people in Minnesota?"

I know this isn't just a Minnesota thing.  This scam is happening all over Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and throughout the U.S. but my first reaction used to be, "Who are these people that have so much time on their hands to scam people in Minnesota?".  But in the last couple of years that statement has transitioned to, "I hope someone I love doesn't fall for this crap, and unless I say something, they probably will.".

Just a reminder, if you've got loved ones that may fall for a scam like this, please send this on to them and let them know NOT to click on the links or send money.  You can always call companies and businesses directly and inquire about any tickets or payments that might be due.

What the U.S. Department of Transportation Says About The Stoplight Scam

I've taken all sorts of training on e-mail phishing scams and internet safety, and I am pretty savvy about it, so I could tell right away that this was not real.  I did my due diligence though to double-check with the U.S. Department of Transportation.  You can read the full statement from the Department of Transportation on their website.

The Scammer Picked The Wrong Person to Mess With in Minnesota

This isn't a new scam but is one that likes to pop up every now and then and I just happened to be one of the chosen individuals.  The person creating this scam just picked the wrong person though because this one writes stories for a living and talks on a national radio show. 

Is there a scam you've received lately people should be aware of?

Let's work together and not only inform one another of the scams we've received by telling the world about them too.  Share this story with your friends and family or on your social media pages. And, if you've had a weird or scammy phone call or e-mail lately, let me know over on my Facebook page (Jessica On The Radio) or DM me on Instagram.

Listen to Jessica Williams weekdays from 3pm until 7pm on Y-105FM