The phrase "scarlet letter" refers to a public symbol of shame or disgrace that someone is forced to wear or carry as a punishment for a wrongdoing or a taboo act they have committed. Full definition
She has to pay her mortgage by the date written in huge scarlet letters on her wall, or the shylock would cast an evil spell on her that would impede her ability to earn those fabulous Ultimate Rewards points (or other points for that matter). (lazytravelers.net)
This brute moral proportionality may make very little sense when considered as a whole, but is probably preferable to the FA handing out scarlet letters for moral turpitude. (sbnation.com)
I should probably reread Scarlet Letter as above did. (bookbrowse.com)