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NHTSA Warns Drivers About Fake Ticket Texts
Drivers in 6 States Receive Scam Messages Demanding Money for Phony Traffic Violations, Agency Says
Key Takeaways:
- NHTSA warned May 19 that scammers are sending fake text messages demanding payment for nonexistent traffic tickets and falsely impersonating the federal safety agency.
- The agency said it received complaints from motorists in six states and warned scammers use threats, fake case numbers and spoofed websites to steal sensitive information.
- NHTSA urged drivers to delete suspicious messages, avoid clicking links and report impersonation scams to police, consumer protection offices and the FTC.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning drivers to ignore text messages seeking money for fake tickets after receiving complaints about the scam from motorists in six states.
“NHTSA does not issue traffic tickets and will never text, call or email any member of the public regarding any traffic violation,” the agency warned May 19. “NHTSA is the federal vehicle safety regulator and does not issue any traffic fines to drivers.”
A spokesperson said NHTSA has received complaints about this text message scam from residents in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New York and Texas.
“NHTSA is warning all drivers to help ensure they don’t fall victim to this scam. Traffic violations are issued by state and local governments and law enforcement agencies,” according to the agency.
The fake messages impersonating NHTSA demand that people pay for traffic violations.
“These messages often refer to fake judges, case numbers and serious consequences to appear more official and scare recipients into clicking a link and paying,” the agency noted.
The FBI has issued alerts warning the public to be wary of criminals who send phony communications “to lure you in and get you to take the bait. These scams are designed to trick you into giving information to criminals that they shouldn’t have access to.”
If people click scammer links, they are directed to a spoofed website that may look realistic before they are “asked to enter sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, banking PINs, etc. These fake websites are used solely to steal your information.”
NHTSA Advice About Recognizing Scammers
NHTSA noted that imposters posing as government agencies “often use fear and pressure to force you into acting quickly.”
Scammers demand specific, nontraditional payment methods. These can include telling people they must pay for phony fines with gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or digital payment apps.
Another tactic is to try to scare people into paying.
“Scammers may threaten you with arrest, the immediate suspension of your driver’s license, hefty fines or referring a case to debt collectors. NHTSA does not call or text anyone to ask for Social Security numbers, bank account details or credit card numbers,” the agency added.
NHTSA advised anyone who receives a fake message to hang up or delete the message.
“Do not click on any links provided in a text or email. If you are concerned about a vehicle issue, check for official information yourself,” the agency noted. “Visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls to check for safety recalls using your VIN or license plate or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.”
Drivers are also encouraged to report scammers pretending to be from NHTSA to local police, a state consumer protection office and the Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov).
