The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet warned on March 20 that residents are receiving fraudulent text messages impersonating the state agency, its Office of Highway Safety, and driver licensing offices. The scam messages claim recipients have unpaid traffic tickets or ‘traffic infractions,’ stating that a payment is due and threatening actions if not resolved.
According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, ‘Kentuckians should not click on any links in or respond to the scam messages. We are taking appropriate steps to request to have the fraudulent websites taken down. Please follow the tips and recommendations below to avoid disclosing sensitive information to scammers.’
The agency outlined several tips for identifying scam texts. It said that KYTC does not collect traffic ticket fees or notify customers of violations using text messages. The cabinet also said it does not refer to itself as ‘KDOT’ or a ‘DMV’ in official communications, advising caution with any message using those terms. The official website for motor vehicle and driver services is drive.ky.gov, and residents are urged to be wary of websites mimicking this address or including the word ‘pay,’ as scammers often add subtle changes such as hyphens.
Residents who receive suspicious texts are advised not to click any links and, when in doubt, contact the agency directly for confirmation before taking action. If personal information has already been provided, individuals should contact their bank immediately. Reports can also be made to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, or through guidance available from the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General at ag.ky.gov concerning potential identity theft.
Suspicious messages can be forwarded to 7726 (SPAM) to alert mobile providers. Additional resources on reporting and spotting scams are available at stopscams.ky.gov according to the official roster page.
