FORT PAYNE, Ala. — Residents across Alabama are being warned about a new text message scam in which criminals impersonate the Alabama Department of Revenue and threaten drivers with penalties over an alleged unpaid traffic violation.
The fraudulent message claims the recipient has an “overdue traffic penalty” and warns that if payment is not made immediately, several consequences could follow. These include suspension of vehicle registration, a 30-day suspension of driving privileges, and referral to a collection agency with additional fees.
The message instructs recipients to click a link to make a payment, directing them to a suspicious web address that appears unrelated to any official Alabama government website.
However, officials say the message is not legitimate and is part of a phishing scam designed to steal personal or financial information.
How the Scam Works
The text message attempts to create urgency by referencing state administrative codes and threatening legal consequences. It then provides a link for immediate payment, hoping recipients will click before verifying the information.
The website included in the message does not belong to the State of Alabama, and scammers may attempt to collect credit card numbers, personal information, or other sensitive data.
Warning Signs
Authorities say there are several red flags that indicate the message is a scam:
- Government agencies rarely request payments through unsolicited text messages.
- The link provided does not end in a legitimate .gov domain.
- The message pressures the recipient to act immediately to avoid penalties.
- It asks recipients to reply to the message to activate the link.
What You Should Do
Residents who receive the message should not click the link or provide any personal information.
Instead, experts recommend the following steps:
- Delete the message immediately.
- Do not reply to the sender.
- If concerned about a possible violation, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue or your local DMV directly through official channels.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Scammers Targeting Drivers
Impersonation scams involving government agencies have become increasingly common. Criminals often pose as tax agencies, motor vehicle departments, or law enforcement in an effort to pressure victims into paying fake fines.
Officials urge residents to remain cautious and verify any unexpected messages claiming to be from government agencies before taking action.
Anyone who may have clicked the link or provided personal information should monitor financial accounts and consider contacting their bank immediately.
