What to Do If You Get a Text About a Court Summons

A new alert from the Philadelphia Courts is putting residents across Pennsylvania on high alert. In March 2026, court officials issued a statewide warning about a surge in sophisticated fake texting scams. These messages are designed to impersonate legitimate authorities to steal your money and personal information.

While the alert originated in Pennsylvania, the tactics described are in use everywhere. Understanding how these scams work and what to do if you’re targeted is a critical piece of digital safety for any consumer.

What Happened: The Statewide Fake Texting Scam

According to the official consumer fraud alert, scammers are sending fraudulent text messages that appear to come from court systems or other government agencies. The messages often create a false sense of urgency, claiming the recipient has a legal summons, a missed jury duty obligation, or an outstanding fine. The goal is to panic you into clicking a link or calling a provided number.

Once you engage, the fraudsters will try to extract sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card information under the guise of “resolving” the issue. They may also demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—all major red flags, as legitimate government entities do not use these payment methods.

Why This Alert Matters to You

You might think you can spot a scam text from a mile away, but these schemes are becoming increasingly convincing. The scammers use a technique called “spoofing” to make the sender ID look official, sometimes even mimicking the name of a real court or agency. The language is often formal and threatening, leveraging the inherent authority of the judicial system to bypass your usual skepticism.

The consequences of falling for this can be severe. At best, you might lose a few hundred dollars. At worst, you could become a victim of identity theft, with criminals using your personal data to open new accounts, take out loans, or commit other fraud in your name. The alert matters because it underscores that these aren’t random, poorly written emails; they are targeted, manipulative attacks that exploit trust in public institutions.

Practical Steps to Protect Yourself

If you receive a suspicious text, especially one referencing legal action, don’t panic. Follow these concrete steps to protect yourself and your information.

1. Recognize the Red Flags. Legitimate courts and government agencies almost never initiate contact about a summons or fine via text message. Be immediately suspicious of any unsolicited text that:

  • Creates a high-pressure sense of urgency.
  • Asks for personal or financial information.
  • Includes a link you must click.
  • Demands payment via gift cards, wire transfer, money apps, or cryptocurrency.

2. Verify, But Do Not Use Provided Contact Information. Do not click any links in the message or call the number provided in the text. If you are genuinely concerned there might be a real issue, independently look up the official contact information for your local courthouse or county clerk’s office. Call them directly using a phone number from their official website or a past bill or document to inquire.

3. Do Not Engage or Provide Any Information. If you accidentally answer a call from a suspected scammer, hang up immediately. Do not confirm your name, address, or any other details. Engaging with them only confirms your number is active, potentially leading to more scam attempts.

4. Report the Scam. Reporting these texts helps authorities track scams and warn others. You can:

  • Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). This is a free, universal short code that works with all major U.S. carriers. It sends the message to your carrier’s security team.
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if you suffered a financial loss.

5. Strengthen Your Long-Term Defenses.

  • Update Your Devices: Ensure your phone’s operating system and messaging apps are updated, as updates often include security patches.
  • Use Filtering Tools: Check your phone’s settings for built-in spam protection for texts and calls, and enable it.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check the consumer alerts pages of your state Attorney General’s office or the FTC for updates on emerging scams.

The Philadelphia Courts’ alert is a timely reminder that scammers constantly refine their methods. By staying calm, verifying information through official channels, and never acting on urgent demands in an unsolicited message, you can effectively shut down these attempts and keep your personal information secure.

Sources:

  • Philadelphia Courts Statewide Consumer Fraud Alert, March 2026.
  • “Philadelphia Courts warn consumers about statewide fake texting scam,” The Morning Call, March 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Advice on Phishing.