Scam Alert: Emailed Traffic Citations Are Phony, State Says

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is warning folks to be on guard for the latest online scam meant to part victims from their money. This particular ruse is intended to make people think they have an outstanding traffic citation to pay.

The scammers behind the ploy are emailing potential victims with a rather official looking letter. That letter claims to be from the “Florida Traffic Division” and comes complete with a citation number. The phony tickets also cites a fake violation of traffic laws, lists the fine amount and even states the location where the made up infraction occurred. Recipients are warned they have three days to pay or face suspension of their licenses. Victims are given a link to pay their citations “securely online.”

The problem with the email, the state says, it’s a scam from start to finish. The supposed company sending the emails is in no way associated with the DHSMV, the agency said Tuesday. What’s more, the state and county level clerks of the court “do not email citations to customers” nor do they require payment by email only.

Motorists who receive legitimate citations through the postal service will notice that citation numbers are always seven alpha-numeric digits, the state added.

While the “company” that set up the payment link appears to have taken the page down, the state says people who receive the scam emails should not attempt to pay.

“If a consumer has made a payment, they should refute the charge and take the appropriate security measures with their financial institution,” an email from the DHSMV said.

People who receive suspicious citations in their email boxes are asked to contact their local clerk of the court or the DHSMV right away.

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