Houston Undergoes Traffic Citation Scam

HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI)– The Houston Police Department is attempting to find the origin of a traffic citation scam that was first reported Monday.

According to Police Chief Billy Voyles,  since yesterday the department had received two calls from Houston residents who have gotten emails stating a traffic citation had been issued for a fire lane violation. Then, the residents were instructed to click on the email and send 40- dollars by credit card.

Voyles told the Chickasaw Journal that if a citation was written by the Houston Police Department it would be delivered in hand and at that given time. He also implied they would never send an email stating the need to pay a ticket.

The scam was first reported  Monday and another followed Tuesday.

The bogus email lists the citation as Ticket Number: 4921198.

Authorities asks if anyone receives one of these emails to immediately contact them at 456-5065. They recommend not giving out any personal information over the internet. If there is a concern of a citation being issued, contact the Houston Police Department.

Any resident that receives one of these emails is encouraged to print the email and deliver it to the police department. Houston Dispatchers and Officers are aware of the scam and will be able to assist anyone in the process.