Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Scam

How the Scam Works

• Urgency & Threats: The messages often state a "payment is due" and threaten penalties, such as license suspension, if the link is not clicked immediately.
• Deceptive Links: The texts contain links to fraudulent websites that closely mimic official Kentucky government addresses (e.g., adding a hyphen or the word "pay") to steal personal and financial information.
• False Branding: Scammers may refer to the agency as "KDOT" or the "DMV," terms the KYTC does not use in official communications.

Red Flags

• Method of Contact: The KYTC never collects traffic ticket fees or notifies customers of violations via text message.
• Official Website: The only official website for motor vehicle and driver services is drive.ky.gov.
• International Numbers: Many of these texts originate from international area codes (e.g., +63) rather than a local or U.S. government line.

Received a Text

1. Do not click any links or respond to the message.
2. Delete the message and report it as junk/spam (forward to 7726).
3. Contact your bank immediately if you have already provided personal or financial information.
4. Verify status by calling the KYTC directly at (502) 564-1257 if you are concerned about your license or actual tickets.

Where to Report

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
• Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Kentucky Attorney General: ag.ky.gov/scams
• Official Kentucky Scam Updates: stopscams.ky.gov