Real court summonses are delivered by personal delivery or mail, never by a text message demanding immediate payment. Courts across the country warn that they will never ask for payment by text, phone, or email, or send a payment link by text. A text message like this is very likely a scam, not a real court case.
What happened
You received a text message claiming a court summons exists against you. It often demands quick payment or threatens arrest. Courts nationwide have issued warnings about this exact pattern. Real court papers reach you through personal delivery or mail. They carry an actual case number you can verify with the court.
What usually applies
A real summons is delivered through personal delivery of a copy of the summons and complaint, or by mail, depending on your state's rules. Courts state plainly that they will never ask for payment by text, phone, or email. They will never send a link to pay a fine by text. If a message pressures you to pay fast or click a link, treat it as a warning sign, not a real deadline.
“The Court is receiving inquiries about texts or emails that Bay Area residents received that seem questionable. Some messages contain: A fake summons from the Court A request for immediate payment - usually a traffic ticket, failure to appear for jury service. This Court will never: Ask for payment by text, phone, or email Ask for your credit card or bank account information by text or email Send links to pay tickets or fines by text”
“The court will never : Ask for payment by text, phone, or email Ask for your credit card or bank account information by text or email Send links to pay tickets by text”
“A summons may be served by personal delivery of a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the person to be served.”
What to do
- 1
Do not click any link in the text
Fake links can steal payment information or personal details. This is true even if the message looks official.
- 2
Check directly with the court, not the number in the text
Look up the court's own phone number or website yourself. Do not use contact information from the message.
- 3
Ask if any real case exists in your name
A real court can confirm whether a case number is genuine and tell you the proper next step.
- 4
Report the message and delete it
Take a screenshot. Report the scam. This helps courts warn other people about the same pattern.
A scam text can feel urgent and scary on purpose, so slow down before responding. Legal aid offices and your local court clerk can help you check whether a summons is real. If you are not sure, contact your local court or a legal aid group before you pay or click anything.
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Sources
- United States District Court, Northern District of CaliforniaRetrieved 2026-07-13
- California Courts, Self Help GuideRetrieved 2026-07-13
- California Legislative Information, Code of Civil Procedure 415.10Retrieved 2026-07-13
Last reviewed 2026-07-13