March 11, 2026 — The Bonners Ferry Police Department has been notified of multiple fraudulent text messages being sent to residents, claiming they have unpaid fines. These messages are a scam.
Do not click on any links or provide personal or financial information.
If You Have Already Responded to the Scam
If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam:
- Contact your bank immediately to request a stop payment.
- Notify your local law enforcement agency and file an incident report.
- Submit a complaint to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at:
www.ic3.gov
How to Identify Potential Scam Messages or Emails
Be cautious of any message that includes the following characteristics:
- Creates a false sense of urgency or demands immediate action.
- Requests payment via bitcoin, Green Dot cards, gift cards, or other untraceable forms of
payment. - Contains misspelled words, unusual grammar, or unprofessional formatting.
- Ask for unnecessary or excessive personal information.
- Feels suspicious or “off” in any way — trust your instincts.
When in doubt, do not respond and do not share personal information.
Verification and Assistance
If you have questions regarding the legitimacy of a text message, email, or phone call, you may contact Boundary County Non-Emergency Dispatch at (208) 267-3151.
Always verify the source before providing any personal information.
Bonners Ferry Police Department
