HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials are warning residents about a surge in text message scams that falsely threaten driver’s license or vehicle registration suspension over unpaid fines or tolls.
What This Means for You
- PennDOT does not send text messages about fines, tolls, or license issues
- Scam texts may try to trick you into clicking links or sharing personal data
- Officials advise deleting suspicious messages and reporting fraud
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said scammers are sending fraudulent messages posing as government agencies and demanding payment.
How the Scam Works
Officials said the messages typically claim to be from PennDOT and warn recipients that their driving privileges or vehicle registration will be suspended unless immediate action is taken.
These messages often include links designed to collect personal or financial information.
PennDOT officials clarified that the agency communicates with customers only through official mail sent via the U.S. Postal Service and does not send text messages.
“If you receive a text message notice from a sender claiming to be from PennDOT who is threatening to suspend your license or registration privilege, do not click on any links and just delete the message,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT’s deputy secretary for driver and vehicle services. “These messages are not from PennDOT.”
What Authorities Recommend
State police advised residents to avoid sharing personal or financial information through text messages or emails and to verify communications by contacting agencies directly using official phone numbers.
“Unfortunately, malicious actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to exploit Pennsylvanians,” said Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Such messages are fraudulent and are designed to create a sense of urgency to steal personal or financial information.”
Officials said anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized should contact local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/assistant.
Toll Scam Trend Expands
Authorities also noted a nationwide increase in scam messages related to unpaid tolls.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said it does not send text messages to E-ZPass or Toll By Plate customers, and any links included in such messages are not legitimate.
Customers are advised to check their accounts only through official channels, including the PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay mobile app.