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Is the DMV "unpaid traffic ticket" text a scam?

Updated October 16, 2026. By the AskBeforeYouSend editorial team (how we fact-check). Fact-checked against the official sources listed at the bottom.

Short answer: Treat it as a scam. The FTC warned in July 2025 about texts pretending to be state DMVs that demand payment for an "overdue traffic ticket" and threaten to suspend your license and registration, add a 35% service fee, prosecute you, or hurt your credit score. DMVs in Virginia, South Carolina and Texas have said they don't text people demanding payment for tickets.

Key facts

The Texas DMV says it does not issue or collect fines for toll or traffic violations.
BBB says the fake link can look real because it includes ".gov" in the web address.
The FTC says to forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) or use "Report junk", then delete it.

What it looks like

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 3. Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. Pay now: https://dmv-gov-ticketpay.info

The wording is close to a text a reader reported to BBB. The web address is made up.

How the scam works

A text says you owe an overdue traffic ticket.
It threatens a suspended license or registration, prosecution, extra fees or a hit to your credit.
The link goes to a lookalike payment page that steals your card number and personal details.

Red flags

A ticket text you didn't expect
Threats of suspension or prosecution
A "35% service fee" or other added penalty
A link with ".gov" somewhere in it that isn't your state's real site
Pressure to pay today

What to do now

Don't tap the link or reply.
If you're worried, contact your state DMV or the court using its official website or a number you know.
Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) or use "Report junk", then delete it.
If you entered card details, call the number on the back of your card.

Never send money, gift cards, crypto or verification codes because of a call, text or message. Hang up and call the real number.

Check a message like this

Report it

Forward the text to 7726: Forward the scam text to 7726 (it spells SPAM). Then use "Report junk" in your messages app and delete it.

Report to the FTC: For any scam, even if you didn't lose money. Takes about 10 minutes.

Report to the FBI (IC3): Best if money was lost or it happened online. Have the scammer's name, phone, email, website and the full message ready.

Questions

The link had ".gov" in it. Doesn't that make it real?

No. BBB says these links often include ".gov" to look official. A real government site ends in .gov right before the first slash. Type your state DMV's address yourself instead of tapping.

What if I really do have an unpaid ticket?

Check with the court or agency that issued it, using the phone number or website on your paperwork or the official site. Never use the text to pay.

Sources

Example messages are made up to show the pattern unless we say otherwise. Phone numbers in examples use the fictional 555 range.

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