SCAM ALERT : New text scam illegally uses WV State Seal

Local police departments and the secretary of state both issuing warnings over the weekend concerning a scam using the West Virginia State Seal.

West Virginia officials are warning residents about a text message scam that illegally uses the state seal to appear legitimate. The messages claim recipients owe fines for traffic or parking violations and urge immediate payment via a QR code. Authorities advise the public not to click links or scan codes and to report suspicious messages to law enforcement.

CHARLESTON The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office is warning residents about a new text message scam that illegally uses the state seal.

Secretary of State Kris Warner says citizens have reported receiving messages claiming they owe fines for parking or traffic violations. The texts instruct recipients to scan a QR code to pay the fine immediately or face court on Monday.

“This is clearly an illegal use of the State Seal to make the message appear legitimate,” Secretary Warner said. “Unauthorized use of the WV State Seal is strictly prohibited and can carry penalties for fraud or forgery under West Virginia law.”

Warner advises anyone who receives such a text to not scan the QR code or open any attachments.

Residents who wish to report suspicious messages using the state seal are encouraged to take a screenshot and email it to the Secretary of State’s Office.

The Logan County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple complaints about this scam and urges anyone who receives such messages to report them to local law enforcement. For questions or further information, residents may contact the Logan County Sheriff’s Department, 304-792-8590

Authorities remind the public to remain vigilant and never provide personal or financial information in response to unsolicited messages.

PHOTO | WV SOS