Beware of Traffic Ticket Scam Pretending to be State Agency

 Jackson County Sheriff Daniel Isaacs has warned citizens of a recent scam that arrives as a text message regarding what is alleged to be an outstanding traffic ticket that needs attention. Sheriff Isaacs reported, "We have been receiving complaints regarding scammers texting citizens posing as members of the Transportation Cabinet and the Department of Motor Vehicles. We, nor any agency, would reach out to citizens via text regarding any outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid fines. Remain vigilant against scammers."

The text scam reads as follows:
 "Kentucky State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 10.
 Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with Kentucky State Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you do not complete payment by June 9, 2025, we will take the following actions:
 Report to the DMV database.
 Suspend your vehicle registration starting June 10
 Suspend driving privileges for 30 days
 Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee
 You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is also warning Kentuckians of fraudulent text messages impersonating state agencies, which feature a suspicious link similar to Kentucky government website addresses. 

The scam messages warn customers of unpaid traffic tickets and say that a "DMV 
violation" will be reported and "driving privileges" will be suspended if payment is not 
sent immediately. 

If you receive one of these texts, do not click the link. Even if the web address looks like 
it belongs to a government agency, the text is a scam. KYTC does not collect traffic 
ticket fees or notify customers of violations, and we are taking appropriate steps to have 
the fraudulent websites taken down. 

If you have provided any personal information, contact your bank immediately. You can 
also report this to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov or to the 
Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, or visit the Kentucky Office of the 
Attorney General website, ag.ky.gov, to follow their guidance concerning potential 
identity theft. You can also forward the suspicious message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert 
your mobile provider as well.