PennDOT warns of scam texts about fake traffic tickets

PennDOT District 9 has reported residents in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset counties are receiving scam text and email messages falsely claiming to be from the agency.

PennDOT recently received reports of a surge in scammers impersonating PennDOT or the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain personal information, including bank account details. The texts and emails suggest the recipient has unpaid or outstanding traffic tickets or unresolved violations.

PennDOT does not send texts about traffic violations or fines and is urging anyone who receives a suspicious text message to avoid clicking on any links.

For those who have received one of the texts, do not click on any links. Report it as junk or phishing from the device. The person can also block the number, though it could then come from a different number.

How to stay safe:

• Do not click on links from unknown or suspicious senders.
• Never share Social Security number, bank account details, or other personal information via text.
• Block the number or sender address.

Learn more about identifying phishing texts and scams by visiting the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s website.

For those who received this message or email, submit a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection online, by calling the office at 1-800-441-2555, or by emailing [email protected]. Be sure to include a picture or screenshot of the message received with the complaint form.