If you’ve received a text about unpaid traffic tickets with threats of license suspension or legal action, don’t panic — and definitely don’t click anything.
Scammers are sending out fraudulent messages pretending to be from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), with subject lines like “Final Enforcement Notice.” Others falsely claim to come from an “Arizona Ministry of Communications,” a fake agency designed to sound official.
The goal? To trick you into handing over personal details or payment info by scaring you into fast action.
These texts typically warn that if you don’t pay immediately, your driving privileges will be suspended, your credit will be impacted, or you could face prosecution. But here’s the truth: ADOT does not collect traffic ticket payments via text, and it doesn’t use the term “DMV” — Arizona’s agency is the MVD (Motor Vehicle Division).
This scam is a classic case of “smishing” — a phishing scam that uses text messages to pressure you into clicking dangerous links or providing sensitive info. Recent versions of this scam have also involved fake toll notices and parking violations.
The Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission both urge people to ignore and delete suspicious messages like these. If you’re unsure, don’t respond or click — contact the agency directly through official channels to confirm.
Bottom line:
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ADOT won’t text you for unpaid tickets
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The use of “DMV” is a red flag in Arizona
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Don’t click any links or share personal information
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Report scam texts to the FTC or your state’s consumer protection office
Stay cautious, spread the word to help others avoid these scams and check out some practical tips for handling these fake messages.
