Police warn of fake red light camera emails

Police say phony red light camera tickets have popped up in northeast Iowa, and now local authorities want Linn County residents to be aware of the scam.

These criminals are trying to make a quick buck by banking on public confusion over the new cameras.

"If they haven't gotten ticketed before they don't know how it works,” said Marion resident, Stacie Sieren.

Police say a notification pops up in your e-mail saying you need to pay your overdue red light camera ticket right away or face big fines.

The trick is luring people into giving up credit card and social security numbers.

"I'm sure people would fall for it, because so many people speed, they probably thought they got caught,” said Teresa McKenna of Vinton.

Police say it's a clever ploy, but one that can be easily avoided if you simply do your homework.

"Verify with your law enforcement agency,” says Sgt. Cristy Hamblin with Cedar Rapids Police.  “It depends on the company, but most often it's not going to be done via e-mail."

Hamblin says CRPD uses a company out of Latham, New York and only send traffic camera tickets through the mail, never online.

Most people we spoke with say they're skeptical of anything that comes through e-mail.

"Anybody can send you an email,” said Rita Robinson of Cedar Rapids.  “I would say ‘Nope' and get more information -- call and get good information."

There have also been reports in other states of red light camera phone scams.

That's why Cedar Rapids police say they can't stress enough to be cautions and double-check any citation, even if it comes through the mail.