Phoenix PD warns drivers of speed camera scams

PHOENIX (NBC, KYMA) - A warning for drivers after people are reportedly getting text messages claiming they owe money for a traffic camera or photo radar violation.

The Phoenix Police Department (PPD) is also sharing what to watch out for if you get one of these text messages or emails.

PPD say the messages may even include links for payment, but any official citations coming from the photo safety cameras are only ever delivered by mail.

"The city is not going to text you, email you," said Sgt. Bruce Sears with PPD in regards about receiving a citation from one of the photo safety cameras.

Sgt. Sears says if anyone does receive a citation, they will be notified by mail and it will come from the Phoenix Municipal Court, but drivers should be aware of any text requesting or collecting payments.

"If you receive these texts or emails, initially think it's a scam until you do your work to prove otherwise," Sears remarked.

If anyone does happen to receive a text, they can always call PPD's non-emergency line.

"Say, 'Hey, I received this. Is this accurate? I don't remember getting a citation.' And they can verify that for you," Sears explained. "You know, these are very difficult crimes to solve. Usually, they're orchestrated by people in outside of the state or outside of the country even, and they're using fake emails or spoofed phone numbers."

As for what text messages or emails might say, this is what Sears had to say:

"It's very common that they'll say you have a warrant for your arrest or you have a citation, and and they create a sense of urgency to get you to to pay these fines immediately, whether it's buying gift cards and providing them the numbers on the back of the gift card, or going to a crypto Bitcoin ATM machine and putting, you know, your cash into there and sending it through crypto."

While it may be self-explanatory to some, they ware it's important not to click on any of the links or provide personal information.

Officials say it's best to treat the text messages and emails as scams until proven otherwise.