Unpaid traffic ticket text scam
Scammers send official-looking "DMV" or court texts about unpaid tickets with a link to pay today. The FTC warned about this scam in 2026.
How this scam works
The message borrows government language, a case number, and a precise fine to look official. The same-day deadline directs you to a fake payment page before you check a real .gov source.
Common versions of the message
- A surprise traffic violation
- A fine due today
- A license-suspension or court threat
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 018-6604
DMV NOTICE: You have an unpaid traffic violation (Case #PA-48213). Pay the $86.50 fine by today to avoid license suspension and a court appearance: https://pa-dmv-ticketpay.top/case
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Surprise ticket: “unpaid traffic violation”
Real tickets come by mail, not by text
A case number and exact amount can be invented. A real ticket should also exist through the court or state channel you look up yourself.
- 2
Threat + deadline: “by today to avoid license suspension”
Fear makes you pay before you check
The same-day suspension threat turns a surprise into a rushed payment instead of giving you time to verify it.
- 3
Not the DMV: “pa-dmv-ticketpay.top”
Real state websites end in .gov
The example includes DMV words but ends in .top. Real state websites end in .gov.
What to do
- Do not tap the link.
- Check for real tickets on your state's official .gov website or by calling the court.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and delete it.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you entered card details, call the number on the card right away.
- If you entered a password, change it anywhere it was reused.
- Check for a real ticket separately through your state's .gov site or the court so the fake message does not cause you to ignore a real matter.
Got a message like this?
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