Charleston, WV (WOAY) – The Secretary of State’s office is notifying the public about a text message scam that uses the WV State Seal illegally.
Residents report that they are receiving text messages notifying them that they have failed to pay a fine for a parking or traffic violation.
The message instructs individuals to scan a QR code to pay the fine immediately or to report to the municipal court.
Secretary Warner states that this is an illegal use of the state seal to make the message and demand for payment appear legitimate, and that the use of the WV state seal is clearly prohibited for this kind of message.
WV state code 5-2-1 prohibits the unauthorized use of the WV state seal, and those found guilty may be subject to penalties for fraud or forgery.
Warner advises those who received the text message should not click on the QR code or open any attachment.
Any individual wanting to report an email or text message of any possible illegal use of the WV state seal can send an email with the screenshot of the message to investigations@wvsos.Gov.
