CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville Police Department (CPD) wants to warn the public about a Notice of Traffic Violation Red Light Camera Scam.
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Police said the potential victims receive an email titled ‘Notice of Traffic Violation’ from violations@clarksville-tn.gov. The email says the recipient has been cited with a traffic violation and must pay within 72 hours. It also offers payment plans. See an example of the email here.
The victim is then advised not to mail the payment, saying all citations must be paid though an EasyPay Center. Victims are given an option to contest the violation by clicking on a link to contact what they think is the Clarksville Police Department.
These links are part of a phishing scam and anyone who receives the emails should NOT click on the links.
The phone call portion of the scam comes from a person claiming to be with the CPD Photo Enforcement Unit. Similar information is conveyed and then the scammers try to gain personal data.
There are seven red light cameras at four locations in Clarksville. All Notices of Violation are sent through the US Postal Service, not through email or conveyed by a phone call.
The actual Notice of Violation from the City of Clarksville, TN Photo Enforcement Program received through the mail has a substantial amount of data including specific vehicle, owner and driver information, date, time, and violation location, photos of the infraction, etc. There are extensive instructions for options to contest or request a hearing. There is also a legitimate phone number to request assistance.
“Please don’t get caught by this scam,” CPD spokesman Jim Knoll said. “It is another make money off your misery scam. Don’t let someone force you into making a rash decision. Take some time, think about it.”
If you have suffered a financial loss or provided personal data, notify law enforcement.