Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Penndot Text Scam Message
Penndot Text Scam Message

PennDOT and Pennsylvania state officials have issued a major warning regarding a widespread text message scam targeting drivers as of March 2026. These fraudulent "smishing" messages falsely claim you have outstanding traffic tickets or unpaid tolls and threaten immediate penalties like license suspension or vehicle registration holds.

Facts to Know

  • PennDOT does NOT send texts regarding traffic violations, fines, or fees.
  • The sender is fake. Scammers often use the name "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Motor Vehicles (DMV)," which is a non-existent agency (the official agency is PennDOT).
  • The goal is identity theft. The links in these texts lead to professional-looking phishing websites designed to steal your bank account information, credit card details, or Social Security number.

Red Flags

  • Urgent threats: Claims that "Enforcement Penalties Begin" tomorrow or within 24 hours.
  • Suspicious links: Official Pennsylvania government websites always end in .pa.gov or .pennsylvania.gov.
  • Scare tactics: Threatening to report you to a "DMV violation database" or damage your credit score.
  • Requesting a reply: Asking you to "Reply Y" to reopen the message or click a link.

How to Handle the Text

  1. Do not click any links or download any attachments.
  2. Do not reply to the message.
  3. Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your cellular carrier.
  4. Delete the message immediately.

Where to Report the Scam

If you have already clicked the link or provided information, contact your financial institution immediately to report fraud. You can also file reports with:

  • PA Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection: Call 1-800-441-2555 or email scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): File a report at ic3.gov.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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