Be Aware: DMV Traffic Ticket Scam Threatens Your License

Have you received an urgent text claiming you owe money for an overdue traffic ticket? The message warns that your license will be suspended unless you pay immediately. Before you panic and click that link, take a breath. You're likely looking at the latest scam targeting drivers across the nation.

Scammers have evolved beyond simple phishing emails. They're now impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from states nationwide, creating convincing text messages that prey on our worst fears: losing our driving privileges. These fraudulent messages are designed to create urgency and panic, pushing you to act before you can think clearly.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued warnings about this growing threat, and millions of Americans have already received these deceptive messages. Understanding how this scam works and knowing how to protect yourself can save you from financial loss and identity theft.

Watch our video above to learn how to recognize the signs of a traffic ticket scam attempt.

How the DMV text scam works

The scam typically begins with an unexpected text message that appears to come from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The message claims you have an outstanding traffic ticket that requires immediate payment. These texts are crafted to look official, often using formal language and official-sounding terminology.

The fraudulent message usually includes several threatening elements designed to create panic. Scammers warn they'll report you to a "DMV violation database" if you don't pay immediately. They threaten to suspend your vehicle registration, driver's license, and driving privileges. Many messages also mention additional penalties, such as a 35% service fee that will be added to your bill.

Some versions of the scam go even further, threatening legal prosecution and warning that your credit score will be damaged. The message typically includes a link that supposedly allows you to pay the fine online. However, clicking this link leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal information and payment details.

The urgency factor is crucial to the scam's success. By creating a sense of immediate danger to something as essential as your driving privileges, scammers hope you'll act quickly without taking time to verify the message's legitimacy.

Red flags that signal a scam

• Unusual communication methods: Legitimate DMV communications are usually sent through official mail, not text messages, or text messages appearing to come from an email address. Government agencies rarely use text messages for fines or violations.

• Errors in the message: Scam texts often include spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing that wouldn’t appear in official government communications.

• Threats or urgency: Scammers create artificial urgency, pressuring you to act immediately. Real DMV notices provide clear instructions and multiple opportunities to respond without threats. 

• Suspicious payment requests: Legitimate agencies only accept payments through official websites or in person. Scammers may direct you to suspicious sites or ask for payment via unconventional methods.

Protecting yourself from traffic ticket scams

Avoid clicking on links in unexpected text messages:

• Scammers use these links to steal your information. Always verify messages through official channels. 

Verify legitimacy directly with your state's DMV:

• Use contact information from the DMV's official website. 
• Avoid using phone numbers or links provided in suspicious messages. 
• Independently check for any outstanding violations or fines. 

Report suspicious messages: 

• Use your phone's reporting features to mark messages as junk or spam. 
• Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to help carriers block fraudulent messages. 

Delete suspicious messages: 

• Remove them from your phone after reporting. 
• Keeping them increases the risk of accidentally clicking malicious links later.

What to do if you've been targeted by a text scam

If you've received one of these scam messages but haven't clicked any links or provided information, you're likely safe. Simply report and delete the message as described above. However, if you've already interacted with the scam, you need to take immediate action.

If you clicked on a link in a suspicious text message, monitor your bank and credit card statements closely for unauthorized charges. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name.

If you provided personal information or payment details to scammers, contact your bank and credit card companies immediately. They can help you monitor your accounts and may be able to reverse fraudulent charges. You should also report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Staying safe online with additional protection

Beyond avoiding individual scams, consider comprehensive identity protection services to safeguard your personal information. Many people don't realize that their AAA Membership includes access to valuable identity protection services.

AAA Members can access ProtectMyID, a comprehensive identity monitoring service that helps detect suspicious activity across multiple platforms. This service monitors your personal information across the dark web, credit reports, and other databases where stolen information might appear.

ProtectMyID provides real-time alerts when your information appears in suspicious contexts, giving you the opportunity to respond quickly to potential identity theft. The service also includes access to identity restoration specialists who can help you recover if you become a victim of identity theft.

Take action to protect yourself today

The DMV traffic ticket text scam preys on our natural fear of losing driving privileges and facing legal consequences. However, armed with knowledge about how these scams work and how to respond, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Remember the key principles: don't click on suspicious links, verify messages through official channels, and report fraudulent communications. Take advantage of the identity protection services available through your existing memberships and accounts.