Residents of Windsor, Ontario, are facing a wave of confusion and concern after receiving fraudulent text messages claiming they owe money for automated speeding tickets. The city has been inundated with calls from people seeking to verify the legitimacy of these demands.
A Convincing but Fraudulent Message
The scam text messages, which began circulating on December 3, 2025, are designed to look like official communications. They instruct recipients to pay a fine for an alleged traffic violation captured by an automated speed enforcement system. One Windsor resident, Liz Geddes, shared the suspicious message she received, highlighting how the scam is targeting locals.
City officials have swiftly moved to clarify the situation. They confirm that these texts are not from the City of Windsor or any legitimate municipal authority. The messages are a phishing attempt aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
Public Response and Official Advice
The immediate consequence of the scam has been a flood of calls to city offices as worried residents seek confirmation. This has placed an unexpected burden on municipal resources as staff work to reassure the public.
Authorities are advising residents to take the following steps if they receive such a message:
- Do not click on any links contained in the text.
- Do not provide any personal information, payment details, or passwords.
- Delete the message immediately.
- Report the scam text to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Genuine speeding tickets from automated enforcement systems in Ontario are typically delivered by mail to the registered vehicle owner, not via text message with a payment link.
A Growing Trend in Digital Fraud
This incident in Windsor is part of a larger, troubling trend of scammers impersonating government agencies and trusted institutions. These fraudsters exploit urgency and fear to trick individuals into making quick payments or divulging sensitive data.
The city emphasizes that it will never solicit direct payment for fines through unsolicited text messages. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to verify any suspicious communication by contacting the city through official channels listed on its website, not through links or numbers provided in a suspect message.
