US EditionMissouri Department of Transportation Warns of Text Scam
MARYLAND, JUN 17 – Scammers impersonate state agencies to demand payments via fake text messages, with over 2,000 complaints reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in one month.
- Various state agencies including Missouri Department of Transportation warn residents in mid-2025 about scam texts falsely claiming unpaid traffic tickets or tolls.
- The rise in scams follows earlier toll text frauds that scammers adapted, using fake messages with payment links and threats of license suspension.
- Authorities advise not to click links, respond to messages, or provide personal information, emphasizing official agencies do not send payment requests via text.
- For instance, South Dakota residents have received fraudulent texts warning of imminent penalties starting June 10, while Alabama’s ALEA cautions that scammers often try to pressure individuals with false threats to create a sense of urgency, according to Secretary Hal Taylor.
- These alerts highlight the need for ongoing caution, as last year's text-based scams resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars stolen and pose continued risks of financial losses and identity theft.
20 Articles
20 Articles
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'Delete it': Police warn of traffic ticket text scams
Local police are warning of scams related to text messages telling recipients they have outstanding traffic tickets.
Scam surfaces impersonating NDDOT attempting to collect fines
CASS COUNTY, ND — Scam artists are claiming to be the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT). “This morning, several Cass County employees began receiving phishing texts on their county-issued cell phones,” Detective Joe Gress said. “The same texts began hitting the personal telephones of county employees across all major carriers.” Gress said the texts appear to impersonate the NDDOT regarding supposed fines and a threat of license s…
DMV warns against collection fee scams
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — If you've received recent texts about toll fees or traffic tickets that are due, you're likely not alone. The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) released a warning to be on the lookout, as the agency is not involved in those collections and does not use text messages as a way to collect fees from customers. Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office working to keep residents aware of ongoing scams The SCDMV ad…
ALEA warns motorists beware DMV phishing scam
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is warning citizens about a nationwide phishing scam that has recently targeted Alabamians with fraudulent text messages falsely claiming to be from the “Alabama Department of Vehicles (DMV)” and demanding payment for non-existent traffic tickets. These messages threaten to suspend individuals’ driving privileges for 30 days and suspend vehicle registrations unless recipients click a malicious link or pr…
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