Text message scams target residents in 17 U.S. states

Authorities, in coordination with state motor vehicle departments, are issuing public alerts about text scammers.

Several states have issued warnings to residents about recent text message scams in which fake state motor vehicle agencies demand payment for fraudulent traffic violations. These scams are particularly dangerous because they threaten to revoke drivers’ licenses if payments are not made, leading many citizens to fall victim.

Cyber scams are increasingly affecting all sectors of the transportation industry, and authorities continue working to mitigate these risks. According to data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, scams totaling $16.6 billion were reported last year—a 33% increase compared to 2023.

Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that all categories of text message scams accounted for $470 million in losses last year, five times more than in 2020. The main foreign destinations for electronic transactions linked to cybercrime were Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mexico, the Philippines, India, and China, according to the agency.

Text message scams affect 17 U.S. states

Scam alerts have been issued in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming, according to information shared by Transport Topics. Authorities, in coordination with state motor vehicle departments, are issuing public alerts about text scammers.

On June 11, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported that people in the state had been receiving fraudulent messages claiming to be from the “Arizona Ministry of Communications” (a non-existent entity) or ADOT, threatening to suspend licenses or impact credit scores if a supposed fine wasn’t paid. The agency clarified that it does not collect fines or send such messages via text, and it warned of obvious errors in the messages.

Similar cases have been reported in Georgia, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Tennessee, where residents have received messages containing legal threats and fake links aimed at collecting personal information or payments. Local officials emphasize that official notifications are never sent by text message, but rather through formal means such as postal mail. They also advise against clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information.

Staying safe from scams

These scams are designed to scare individuals with legal threats to trick them into paying false fines or disclosing personal data. State authorities advise the following steps to help residents stay safe:

Do not respond to the text message.
Do not provide personal or financial information.
Always verify a phone number or website independently.
Do not send payments through links or account numbers provided in text messages.
Avoid opening attachments or links in suspicious messages.
Report and delete fraudulent text messages.
Warn friends and family about text message scams.

Remember: The Department of Transportation does not use text messages to contact you with important information. Stay safe by following these recommendations and report scams online at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.