Iowa Judicial Branch warns of a collection notice scam

Iowa clerks of courts are responding to people who have received collection notices that falsely claim to be from the Iowa Judicial Branch or a clerk of court. The letters warn the individuals that if payments are not made to the 1-800 number on the notice, the person’s driver’s license would be suspended and an arrest warrant may be issued. The public should be aware that these notices are a scam and are not from the Iowa Judicial Branch. The Iowa Judicial Branch does not have a 1-800 number for paying court fines and fees.

People who want to inquire about a potential scam notice can do so by contacting the clerk of court in the county where the notice originated. A directory of clerk of court offices is on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at https://www.iowacourts.gov/court-directory/

Currently, the scam appears to target Iowans who have moved to another state.