Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Warns of New Scam Making the Rounds

Scammers will try anything to separate us from our money. In the digital age, it’s easier than ever, and there are so many ways. Since fear works, the latest scam could have terrible consequences, especially for someone who might not see this ploy for what it is.

I got a message from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office today asking us to share this information with the public. I was already aware of the scam, since I got this exact message texted to me early this morning.

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Warning

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new wave of fraudulent text messages circulating in Arizona. The messages claim to come from official agencies and use fear and intimidation tactics to get people to act on them. The messages insist that the recipient has an outstanding warrant or unpaid violation.

The Sheriff’s Office is advising us to “hit delete and move on with your day.” The messages are alarming, but they’re nothing more than a scam designed to create panic.

READ MORE: Arizona Jury Duty Scam: What You Must Know

What This Scam Looks Like

The text messages claim the recipient owes money for a traffic violation, a missed court date, or even for electronic toll evasion. Since Arizona doesn’t have toll roads, that’s definitely a red flag.

Some of the messages look like official court documents, and even include fake state seals, case numbers, and legal language. The scammers are even including a QR code that sends victims to a fraudulent payment site.

The documents look surprisingly legitimate, thanks in part to AI-generated graphics. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is stressing this: Do not use the QR code!

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Advice from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office

Public Information Officer Grady Butler of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office told us, “Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, using phrases like ‘final notice’ or ‘warrant for your arrest.’

These are clear red flags. Do not scan QR codes or use any phone numbers or email addresses provided in these messages. Instead, independently look up the agency and contact them directly to verify the information.”

RELATED: FBI Warns Of Arizona Toll Scams Targeting Residents

Why You Should Never Scan the QR Code

Scanning the QR code can expose you to phishing sites designed to harvest your sensitive personal data. These sites are designed to look official, but don’t fall for it.

The fake sites are engineered to capture your credit card numbers, bank information, and even your login credentials. Once scammers have that data, they can drain your accounts or commit identity theft. The safest move is to avoid interacting with the message entirely.

How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

Be sure to share this information with your loved ones, especially older folks who may be more vulnerable to the scam.

The best response is simple: delete the message. If you’re not sure whether the message is real, contact the agency directly using a verified telephone number, not one included in the message.

You can report the scam to local law enforcement, like the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.

• Call non-emergency: (520) 432‑9500
• Online: Use the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office website to submit a report search.211arizona.org.

You can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or call (844) 442‑2737 (toll-free). Your report helps the FBI track scams, freeze stolen funds, and share information with other agencies.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has some advice on how to spot a scam.

Tips Before Reporting

If you want to report the message, before you delete it, do the following:

• Save all evidence: emails, texts, screenshots, and transaction records.
• Do not respond to scam requests.
• If you’ve lost money, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.

By submitting a report, you can help law enforcement and consumer protection agencies take action and protect others from the scam.

Here's another classic scam: Beware! This Unscrupulous Scam is Targeting Arizonans

Scammers Gonna Scam, But You Don’t Have to Be a Victim

One thing is certain: the scams will continue and adapt as technology changes. Stay informed, trust your instincts, verify anything that seems suspicious, and spread the word to keep everyone safe.