Beware of “Overdue Traffic Ticket” Scam Texts

How the Scam Works

1. You get an unexpected text saying you have an overdue traffic ticket or toll.
2. The message claims your license or registration could be suspended, or that you'll be prosecuted or hit with extra fees (often around 35%).
3. It includes a link to pay immediately, and might even threaten to report you to some “DMV violation database.”

These texts are not real—they’re scams aimed at tricking you into paying money or giving away personal info (like card or account details).

 

Why It’s a Scam

• Official agencies don’t send payment links via SMS.
• Real DMV notices come through mail, or they direct you to visit official DMV websites, not click text links (Consumer Advice, People.com, Houston Chronicle, The Ticket Clinic).
• Scammers often use urgency and threats to scare you into acting fast without thinking (Consumer Advice, Economist Writing Every Day, Axios).

 

Common Red Flags

• Texts with threatening language (like suspension or legal action).
• Urgency — "Pay now or face penalties."
• Links that don’t match official websites (domain names like .com, .cc, orfy .xin instead of .gov) (TIME).
• Generic greetings instead of your name (TechRadar).
• Fake laws or penalty codes that don’t exist (The Washington Post).
• Typos or bungled formatting to dodge spam filters (The Ticket Clinic).
• Scammers may spoof phone numbers, even pretending to be local government numbers (TIME).

 

What You Should Do

1. Don’t click any links or reply. Ignore the message. Scammers are counting on panic making you act fast (Consumer Advice).
2. Verify claims independently. If you think you might actually owe something, go to your DMV’s official website or call using an official phone number—not the link or number in the text (TIME).
3. Report the text.
• Use your phone’s “report junk” option.
• Forward the text to 7726 (that’s “SPAM”) to alert your mobile carrier (Consumer Advice).
4. Delete the message. Once reported, clear it from your phone.
5. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (Consumer Advice).
6. If you clicked any link or gave info—take action fast:
• Contact your bank or credit card provider.
• Place a fraud alert on your accounts.
• Consider reporting to law enforcement agencies like the FBI’s IC3 if it's serious (People.com, Economist Writing Every Day).

 

Why You’re Being Targeted

• Smishing (SMS-phishing) is booming—scammers sent nearly 63 spam texts per person in May 2025 (Economist Writing Every Day).
• In 2024, people lost $470 million to texts disguising as real agencies (Axios).
• Scammers impersonate toll agencies, DMVs, police, cell companies, and more—because fear works (Houston Chronicle).

 

In a Nutshell

• You get a scary text about a “ticket” or “toll.”
• Don’t click, reply, or panic.
• Confirm on official channels if needed.
• Report and delete the message.
• Stay alert—scammers aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

For free FTC advice on spotting smishing (such as spoofed messages about tickets, tolls, or deliveries), visit the FTC’s scam resources—and report anything fishy right away.

* Source: consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/text-about-overdue-traffic-ticket-probably-scam