ALEA Warns Of Scam Texts Demanding Payment For Fake Traffic Violations

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is alerting the public about a widespread phishing scam targeting Alabamians with fraudulent text messages that falsely claim to be from the “Alabama Department of Vehicles.”

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

ALEA says the scam messages demand payment for fake traffic violations and threaten to suspend the recipient’s driver’s license and vehicle registration unless they click a malicious link or provide personal information.

“Scammers are trying to create a false sense of urgency by threatening you and your driving privileges,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said in a statement. “We urge all Alabamians to be cautious and remember that our agency will never contact you this way.”

Taylor reiterated that there is no such agency as the “Alabama Department of Vehicles," with driver licensing handled by ALEA’s Driver License Division.

He also said vehicle registration falls under the Alabama Department of Revenue, and license plates are issued through local county probate offices.

Additionally, ALEA said it does not send unsolicited text messages requesting personal information or threatening legal action and such messages should be considered suspicious and deleted immediately.

Officials urged the public to watch for the following red flags:

• Texts claiming to be from the “Alabama DMV”
• Threats of immediate license suspension or vehicle registration cancellation
• Messages that include links requesting personal or financial data

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com