Beware of a new text scam

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., Jan. 29, 2022 —St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Brandon J. Patty is warning residents about a scam involving text messages claiming to be from the Clerk of Courts.

In one example (pictured) provided by a St. Johns County resident, the text reads, “MSG on behalf of the St. Johns County Clerk of Courts; Reply YES for balance. Tap msbpay.com/qp?=(number) for more info; To OptOut reply STOP.”

The text suggests that the recipient has failed to pay a fine or fee to the Clerk’s office, and the unpaid balance has been forwarded to a debt collection agency. Please do not respond to the text, and do not click on the link.

If you have an unpaid fine or fee that has been forwarded to a debt collection agency, please call the Clerk’s Office first at 904-819-3600 to verify the agency that is handling your case. You may also visit our website at stjohnsclerk.com/courts/traffic-parking/collections/ for information and authentic telephone numbers for collection agencies with whom we do business.

If you have received a scam text, please report the incident to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 866-9NO-SCAM (866-966-7226) or by filing a complaint online at myfloridalegal.com/consumeralert.