Politics & Government

Social Media Scam Targets People Owing Detroit Fines

The 36th District Court says scammers posing as court officers ask for wire transfers to get discounts on outstanding fines.

DETROIT, MI — Don’t take the bait. Those notices on Facebook and other social media from people posing as 36th District Court officials asking people with outstanding fines to wire money using Western Union to receive discounts are fake.

“Any amnesty programs, special promotions or waivers will be announced on the court's website and official Facebook page,” the court said in a news release on its Facebook page.

The court sometimes offers amnesty programs in an effort to collect overdue fines, but payments are received through the court’s website, by mail, at a 24-hour drop box in the court lobby, at kiosks located throughout the court building or at the the cashier’s window. The court is located at 421 Madison Ave. in Detroit.

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If you’ve been contacted about settling your fine via social media by someone posing as a court employee and offering a discount, contact your local police department.

Find out what's happening in Detroitfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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