Police across New Jersey have issued warnings about a new scam targeting residents.

The text message comes in the form of a fake traffic violation, telling people that they must attend a hearing or face consequences. The notice claims the recipient committed either a parking or toll violation.

Fairfield police say that while the notice may seem official, by demanding payment or threatening court action, it is a fake.

“We’d rather you call us than just pay it, thinking that it is real and it winds up not being real and now not only are you out – even if it’s a small amount of money – they may have your credit card information at that point and that turns into a whole bigger issue,” says Fairfield police public information officer Stacy Chiarolanza.

Police say any court violation or summons will come as an official document. You will never receive anything via text or email.

If you do receive a fake notice, do not scan the QR code, click any links or provide any personal information.