Scam alert: Tucson residents receive fake texts from ADOT about ticket | Local News

PHOENIX (KVOA) – Arizonans are being warned about a new scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). These texts demand payment for supposed “outstanding traffic tickets.”

According to ADOT, the scam texts start with “Arizona Department of Transportation Final Enforcement Notice” and threaten consequences like suspending vehicle registration, harming credit scores, and even prosecution if recipients do not act immediately.

ADOT clarified that they are not involved in collecting unpaid traffic tickets or sending text messages for payment. The text is a scam aiming to steal personal information and money. Residents are advised to delete such texts and avoid clicking on any links.

The scam is similar to previous fraudulent messages about unpaid tolls, referred to as “smishing” by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This type of cybercrime deceives individuals into providing money under the guise of urgency and fear. ADOT noted that these scam texts often originate from another country.