INDIANA – The Indiana State Police issued a warning on Wednesday about a scam text message circulating across the state, falsely claiming to be from the “Indiana Department of Vehicles.”
The fraudulent text message, designed to appear as a “Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 7,” informs recipients they have an outstanding traffic ticket. It threatens several actions if payment is not completed by June 6, 2025. These include reporting to a “DMV violation database,” suspending vehicle registration starting June 7, suspending driving privileges for 30 days, transferring to a toll booth with a 35% service fee, and potential prosecution that would affect the recipient’s credit score. The message also includes a link to what appears to be an official-looking, but fake, government website.
Authorities urge the public to disregard these messages and to avoid clicking on any links provided. Official communications regarding traffic tickets or driving privileges will typically be sent through the mail, and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) would not demand immediate payment via text message with such threats.
