Here's what OPP wants you to know about a new scam targeting drivers

An Automated Speed Enforcement camera in Barrie, Ont. (CTV News/Steve Mansbridge)

Provincial police say there is a growing trend of fraudsters attempting to cash in on municipalities using automated photo radar programs to scam drivers through text messages.

According to police, fraudsters send a text message that appears to be from the Ontario government regarding common traffic violations.

They say some unsuspecting residents may believe they have to pay a fine after being caught on the automated photo radar cameras by clicking the link attached in the text.

Police provided a sample of a text message sent to one individual that read, “Your vehicle was detected exceeding the speed limit by our speed monitoring camera.”

Provincial police confirmed text and email messages are not sent to anyone ticketed by these devices.

“The ticket will be mailed out to the registered address of the vehicle's owner, making them aware of the infraction and the corresponding penalty,” OPP explained.

Police “strongly recommend” that, as with all potential scams, residents verify all information before acting.