A fraudulent notice designed to look like an official court document is circulating in Habersham County, and local officials are urging residents not to fall for it.
The warning comes from Habersham County Commissioner and local attorney Bruce Harkness, who says the document is a scam that is already costing victims money.
The Scam Notice Circulating Locally
The notice appears official, featuring the State of Georgia seal and legal language referencing violations like unpaid tolls, parking tickets, and speeding.
It warns of “Final Notice — Court Enforcement Action” and threatens serious consequences, including license suspension, court judgments, and damage to credit.
The Dead Giveaway
Despite its official appearance, the document contains a major and obvious flaw.
It claims to be from the “Municipal Court of St. Louis County.”
“There is no such thing as St. Louis County in Georgia,” Harkness said.
The notice also lists a court address in Missouri, not Georgia.
Another Red Flag: QR Code Payment
The notice instructs recipients to scan a QR code to view and pay an “unpaid balance.”
That alone should raise suspicion.
Legitimate courts do not request payments through QR codes or demand immediate payment in this manner.
Victims Are Already Being Scammed
Harkness says the scam is not just circulating — it’s working.
“There’s already been hundreds of people that have called and paid a fraudulent fine,” he said. “This is scamming our good people out of their hard-earned money.”
Who Scammers Target
These types of scams often prey on:
- Elderly residents
- People on fixed incomes
- Anyone who fears legal trouble and acts quickly
By creating urgency and fear, scammers pressure victims into paying before verifying the information.
What You Should Do
If you receive a notice like this:
- Do not call the number listed
- Do not scan the QR code
- Do not send money or personal information
- Contact your local court or law enforcement to verify
A Growing Problem Across Georgia
“These scams occur daily in our state and steal millions of dollars annually,” Harkness said.
If you’ve received this exact notice, warn others. Sharing this information could prevent someone else from becoming a victim.
