Red light camera telephone scam

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Red light camera telephone scam

It's one of the newest types of identity theft scams and it comes as a phone call from a government official impersonator, demanding payment for an alleged red light camera ticket said to have never been paid.

The red light scammer may ask for the driver's personal information such as their name, driver's license number, address, social security number or credit card number.

They may threaten to suspend the person's license unless they pay the caller immediately for the alleged ticket fines over the telephone or by providing a credit card number through email.

Drivers should be clearly aware of the differences of the ways scammers use fake red light camera tickets to trick people, and how the court system really works.

California law sets specific rules and guidelines for the cities to follow when issuing red light camera tickets. Real red light camera tickets must be issued by a qualified police officer and mailed to the address on the vehicle's registration.

It would have the driver's information, courthouse information, a due date, and a fine amount due. It would also have a signature by the officer who issued the ticket, and a certificate of mailing.

Neither the courts nor the police department contact drivers using phone or email about a traffic ticket or court case. They must correspond by mail to have a paper trail and follow the state guidelines.

If you get a phone call or email from an alleged police officer or other government official about a red light camera ticket, immediately dismiss its authenticity.

Do not give any personal information to the caller such as your name, address, driver's license number, or credit card number.

If you are concerned about a possible red light camera ticket you may have never received, contact the courthouse directly, or check the status of your driving record with the DMV.

If you think you may have fallen for the scam, contact the police, your credit card company, and the credit reporting bureaus.

Remember - always watch for scams!

Steve