Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Scam

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is currently warning residents of a widespread text message scam (smishing) that impersonates state driver licensing and highway safety offices. Scammers are sending fraudulent texts claiming that recipients have unpaid traffic tickets or "traffic infractions" that require immediate payment to avoid further action.

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

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