The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is stepping up efforts to protect drivers from fraudulent text messages demanding payment for fake traffic fines.
On Friday, ADOT announced a new web resource dedicated to helping Arizonans recognize scam tactics and avoid falling victim to schemes that attempt to extort money for nonexistent tickets, tolls, or fees. The agency also released a podcast episode explaining how the scams work and what residents should do if they receive one of these messages.
Among its top reminders:
Arizona has no toll roads, so any text referencing unpaid toll fees is automatically a scam.
ADOT does not collect payment for traffic or parking tickets.
Residents should never click on links in suspicious texts claiming to be from ADOT.
Drivers concerned about their accounts are encouraged to log in directly at the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) website or visit an MVD office in person to verify their status.
Officials say the scam texts have grown more frequent in recent months, prompting the need for a clear, centralized place for residents to verify what’s legitimate.
