Scam Text Claims Minnesotans Owe Traffic Ticket, Threatens Suspension

MINNESOTA — Authorities are warning residents not to fall for a new scam text that falsely claims to be from the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services.

The message states that the recipient has an outstanding traffic ticket and must pay to avoid severe penalties, including suspended driving privileges, vehicle registration cancellation, a 35 percent service fee, and even prosecution.

It includes a suspicious link.

"Scam Alert! This text is NOT legitimate. Don’t click on the link," the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office warned this week.

The text refers to a nonexistent "Minnesota Code 15C-16.003" and uses the name "Minnesota Department of Vehicle Administration," which does not exist.

State agencies do not contact people via unsolicited text messages or threaten credit score damage over traffic tickets.

What To Do:

• Do not click the link.
• Do not respond or share any personal information.
• Report scam texts to the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.