First it was the dun you received about failing to pay a toll. If you never went over a toll route, you probably figured it out quickly you were being played. But with the proliferation of “speed cameras” and “red light cams,” is it possible you tripped up in traffic and didn’t know it? If you’re out on the road and get a text saying you owe traffic fines or unpaid tolls—watch out. A wave of scam messages is hitting phones across the country, and they’re tricking people into handing over money and personal info. It’s the new fake traffic ticket scam.
How the fake traffic ticket scam works
You get a text that looks like it’s from a state motor vehicle agency. It says you owe money for a ticket or toll, and if you don’t pay right away, you’ll lose your driver’s license or vehicle registration. Some messages even throw in scary-sounding names like “Final Enforcement Notice” or claim they’re from made-up agencies like the “Arizona Ministry of Communications.”
But it’s all fake
“Scammers took note of the toll text scams that were everywhere a couple months ago and are now using the same playbook for these traffic text scams,” said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson.
Similar scams made the rounds last year, with criminals pretending to be toll authorities. Now, they’re claiming to be state DMVs—sometimes even using the wrong name for local agencies, which is a big red flag.
The FBI says cybercrime is booming. Americans lost more than $16 billion to it last year, and text scams alone accounted for $470 million of that.
Warnings have gone out in at least 17 states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Wyoming—places RVers frequently travel through.
“These messages are not only fraudulent—they’re frightening,” said Pong Xiong, who leads Minnesota’s driver services. “We understand how upsetting it can be to receive multiple threatening messages demanding payment.”
One message in South Dakota claimed license suspensions would start June 10 if payment wasn’t made for a “final notice” traffic ticket. Tennessee officials said scammers are even building fake websites that look like the real deal to collect your money or personal details.
Here’s how to protect yourself
- Don’t click on links or open attachments in unexpected text messages.
- Don’t reply or call any numbers listed in the message.
- Don’t send money or personal information without confirming it’s real—call your DMV or state agency directly using a number from their official website.
- Use your phone’s “report junk” feature to flag the message and then delete it.
- Let friends and fellow RVers know these scams are circulating.
And remember: Legit agencies don’t send traffic violation notices or fine demands by text.
If you think you’ve been targeted by the fake traffic ticket scam, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
RELATED
- How to protect yourself from Facebook Marketplace RV scams
- How to avoid scams when buying an RV online
- Beware of private seller RV scams
- Unpaid toll scam targets drivers nationwide
- A growing scam could leave you stuck with a stolen vehicle
RVT1214b
Have received several. Report them as spam and delete them!
I received two that were allegedly from the PA DMV. The text stated that I owed for tolls on the PA turnpike and my license and registration would be revoked for non payment.
I checked my TP account and there were no late tolls or violations.
I don’t think either the TP Commission or DMV would send texts or emails.
In fact the texts I received had a “63” country code before the phone number. Came from the Philippines. Really stupid scammers.
Don’t click the link. Go on the web site for the DMV of the state, and find out whether they have issued a ticket to your licence plate with the ticket number, date, and amount. If not, it’s a scam.
Narrowly avoided a phone scam alleging missed jury duty. Scammer knew we had moved recently. Alleged someone had signed the summons. They knew all our identifiers.
My favorite threatened suspension of my license by the “Idaho Ministry of Transportation.”
Any “tickets” claiming to be from California are fake. We aren’t citing anyone for anything…speeding, reckless, drunk…anything. We should be.
Thank you for the information and warning, Russ and Tina! This very helpful! I may have gotten a few of these, but I do not answer unknown numbers and they did not leave messages. All that got their number(s) blocked. Have a great day and safe travels!