An email scam that attempts to impersonate the Department of Motor Vehicles has been circulating locally, according to the Kalispell Police Department.

The scam claims the recipient has a traffic violation that must be paid within 72 hours. The email may seem convincing with links and code citations, the police department said.

“These emails are not legitimate. Links should not be followed, and emails should be placed in quarantine,” the police department said in a press release Thursday. “Please note that the courts and law enforcement do not collect fines via email, and the Department of Motor Vehicles does not collect money for traffic violations.”

Email scams can come in a wide variety of formats and be quite convincing. These types of emails try to trigger an emotional response from the victim with a sense of urgency, and fear of the consequences if the action is not taken, according to the release. Sometimes just clicking the links provided can infect your computer with malware.

Here is an example of the scam that was recently reported to Kalispell Police:

“This notice is to inform you that you have been cited with a traffic violation and must pay your citation within 72 hours. We have payment plans available if necessary.

DETAILS OF CITATION

Traffic Code Violation: SPEEDING (15-20 OVER LIMIT)

Approximate Location of Violation: 233 1st Ave. E.

City: Kalispell

State: MT

Do not mail in your checks to us. All citations must be paid online through our EasyPay Center.

If you choose to contest your citation, you must do so by clicking here to contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles via SecureMail.

This was an automated message sent on behalf of your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Do not reply to this message.”

The Kalispell Police Department urges citizens to learn more about how they can avoid falling victim by visiting the Federal Trade Commission website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov. If you think you have been the victim of a scam, contact local law enforcement. In Kalispell, the non-emergency police line is 406-758-7781.