WASHINGTON COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Sheriff's Office of Washington County says the department is seeing an 'alarming increase' in scams and put out a warning today, so people know how to avoid them. 

The agency says the sheriff himself, Martin Schulteis, got a scam text message on his work phone. It falsely claimed his vehicle had an unpaid toll invoice. It didn't say for what car, and the link was made to look like it came from a toll system in Massachusetts. 

Officials warn, if you get a link from a number you do not know, do not click it. If you think a text may be real, contact the organization mentioned directly to verify the claim. 

Be wary of generic messages. If they do not include specific details like your name or type of car, that's a red flag.