Fraud Watch March 2026: Masters Scams, Traffic Court Texts, & Travel Traps

Summer is around the corner, and scammers are already hard at work. From fake Masters tickets to bogus vacation rentals and traffic court scams, fraudsters are finding new ways to cash in. Here's what to watch out for so you can enjoy the season worry-free.

Traffic Court Text Scam

Receiving a text claiming you have an unpaid traffic ticket or toll? Scammers posing as law enforcement, judges, or toll agencies are sending fake messages urging you to click a link or scan a QR code and pay immediately to avoid fines or a license suspension. These texts often look convincing but are designed to steal your payment information.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Government agencies will never text you demanding payment for a traffic violation
• Never click links or scan QR codes in unexpected texts
• If you're unsure, call the court or agency directly using an official phone number, not one from the text
• If you pay through a link or QR code in a scam text, that money may be impossible to recover

Vacation Booking Scams

Looking for a vacation rental? Scammers copy real listings from legitimate sites, post them at below-market prices, and pressure you to pay outside the platform. Victims arrive to find the property doesn't exist, was never available, or is occupied by travelers who booked through reputable platforms.

How to Spot a Vacation Booking Scam:

• Book through reputable vacation rental platforms and keep all communication and payments on the platform
• Reverse image search listing photos to make sure they aren't being used on other sites at different prices
• Verify the property address exists using online maps, and read reviews from previous guests before booking

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2026 Masters Scams

With the 2026 Masters coming up, scammers are capitalizing on the excitement. Fake ticket sellers, phony merchandise shops, and fraudulent sweepstakes claiming you've "won" a 2026 Masters package are circulating.

How to Have a Positive Masters Experience:

• Masters tickets are officially sold out, so if you take a chance and go the reseller route, choose one with a strong buyer guarantee as Augusta National prohibits resale and may turn you away at the gate
• Watch out for fake Masters merchandise sites; verify the website URL carefully and look for signs of legitimacy before entering payment information
• Ignore messages saying you've won a Masters trip or tickets, especially if you never entered a contest or lottery - these are phishing attempts designed to steal your personal data.
• If you're traveling to attend a match, use the travel and vacation rental tips above to avoid getting scammed on accommodations and transportation