PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is warning residents about a scam text falsely claiming they owe money for unpaid traffic tickets.
The fraudulent messages appear to come from a government source, using alarming phrases like “Final Enforcement Notice” and threatening consequences such as license suspension, credit damage, or legal prosecution if immediate payment isn’t made.
“It’s not us,” ADOT clarified in a statement. “We do not text Arizonans about traffic tickets—and we don’t collect payment for them.”
What to Watch Out For
The scam is a type of “smishing” attack—a text-based version of phishing—where cybercriminals attempt to steal personal data or money by creating a sense of urgency. The text typically includes a link and warns of serious consequences if you don’t act fast.
One red flag: the scam uses the term “DMV,” while Arizona’s agency is actually the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division).
ADOT recommends deleting the message immediately and urges people not to click on any links or share personal information.
How to Stay Safe
The Federal Trade Commission and FBI advise:
Be skeptical of unexpected messages asking for payment or personal info.
Watch for grammatical errors or vague links.
Report scam texts to your mobile carrier or the FTC.
Visit the FTC’s spam message guide for more safety tips.
If you’re ever in doubt about a communication from a government agency, contact them directly through verified channels.
