Residents across Illinois are currently receiving a wave of unsolicited scam texts regarding unpaid traffic tickets. These misleading messages, marked “final notice,” pressure individuals to pay quickly to avoid potential license suspension, damage to credit scores, and prosecution.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has identified these communications as a phishing scam. In a recent video statement, he urged anyone who receives these deceptive texts to refrain from responding or clicking on any links. “These phony texts are designed to trick you into giving up personal or financial information, which can lead to identity theft or fraud,” he cautioned.
It’s important to note that the Secretary of State’s office does not send text messages concerning vehicle registrations or driver’s licenses. Their official communications are limited to reminders about scheduled DMV appointments.
Residents are encouraged to report any scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This incident follows earlier warnings from the Illinois Tollway about similar scams related to unpaid tolls, as well as reports of fraudulent messages connected to the upcoming 2024 election.
These scams highlight the importance of skepticism when receiving unsolicited communications and reinforce the need for vigilance in protecting personal information. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can better guard against potential fraud.