Authorities said the office has received multiple calls from parish residents regarding the messages. In some cases, scammers may also attempt contact through phone calls or voicemail.

Officials stressed that the messages are fraudulent and designed to create panic in order to pressure individuals into sending money or providing personal information.

If a resident has an unpaid traffic citation, notification will come by official letter through the U.S. Mail from the Natchitoches Parish District Attorney’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office or Natchitoches City Court — not by text message demanding immediate payment.

Authorities urge residents not to respond to suspicious messages, click on links or provide personal information such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or banking details via text. Messages that create urgency or threaten immediate legal action are common tactics used by scammers.

Residents are encouraged to delete the message and report the scam to local authorities. Officials also ask the public to share the warning with family and friends, particularly elderly residents who are often targeted.