Text Message Scam Targets Georgia Drivers With Fake Traffic Tickets

Scam text messages are targeting drivers across Georgia.. The messages, which claim to be from a nonexistent "State Department of Motor Vehicles," aim to steal credit card data through fake ticket payments.

"DDS employees do not contact customers to ask for payment or other confidential information," stated Georgia Department of Driver Services Commissioner Angelique McClendon to WRDW. The texts threaten license suspension for unpaid tickets.

The scheme has hit multiple counties. Sheriff's offices in Richmond and Lumpkin issued alerts over Facebook. Two media staff members got texts threatening to strip their driving rights and vehicle registration if the fines weren't paid by May 28.

Officials advise you to immediately report and delete these spam messages. If you receive a suspicious phone call you should hang up immediately and refrain from sharing any personal information.

Victims who tap the link land on a bogus site built to capture card details. The con artists often push users to try several cards by faking payment errors.

Security experts call this tactic "smishing" — a mix of SMS and phishing. The scammers send texts to get sensitive data like passwords and Social Security numbers. This stolen info fuels bank theft or gets sold on dark web markets.

State officials stress that real license notices come only through postal mail. Drivers can check their status on Georgia's official DDS site.

To report one of these spam messages, forward the message to 7726 (SPAM), use the spam reporting option in your messaging app, or file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.