Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert!

Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert!

By Greg Collier

If your phone buzzed with a text claiming you owe an “outstanding traffic ticket” and need to pay immediately—stop right there. This isn’t a real notice from the state. It’s a phishing scam designed to steal your money and personal information, and it’s making another round through Illinois after spreading nationwide earlier this year.

These messages pretend to come from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles” (which doesn’t actually exist) and try to scare you with words like “final notice,” “enforcement,” and “credit score impact.” In reality, they’re just digital bait—complete with typos like “November 5rd” and “November 4nd.”

What’s Going On:

The scam follows a familiar pattern: a fake text threatens registration suspension, prosecution, or fines if you don’t pay within 24 hours. It urges you to click a link to resolve your “ticket.” Officials across Illinois have confirmed these messages are not legitimate, and similar versions have hit phones across the U.S. in recent months.

Why It Works:

Scammers know that fear makes people act fast. A sudden threat to your license or credit score can make even cautious people click before they think. That single tap can lead to a spoofed site that captures your driver’s license number, banking details, or other private information.

Red Flags:

  • References to the “Illinois DMV”—a department that doesn’t exist.
  • Typos and awkward grammar, like “5rd” or “4nd.”
  • Urgent threats of suspension or legal action within 24 hours.
  • Links to unknown websites asking for payment or verification.

Quick Tip: Traffic tickets are handled through local courts, not through the state’s DMV or Secretary of State. You’ll always receive legitimate notices by mail, not by text message.

What You Can Do:

  • Do not click any links.
  • Delete the message immediately.
  • Report it to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) or FBI’s IC3 (ic3.gov).
  • If you’re unsure, check your record through your state’s Secretary of State website.

If You’ve Been Targeted:

If you already clicked the link or entered personal information, act fast:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company to freeze or monitor your accounts.
  • Change any passwords that might have been compromised.
  • Run a malware scan on your phone or computer.
  • Report the scam to the FTC and FBI so others don’t fall for it. Even if you didn’t enter any information, deleting and reporting the message helps prevent scammers from targeting others.

Final Thoughts:

These scammers are recycling an old nationwide con—now dressed up with bad grammar and fake urgency. Don’t take the bait. The government won’t text you demanding money, and “November 5rd” isn’t a real date.

Stay smart, stay skeptical, and keep your personal info out of scammers’ hands.

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