Georgia Department Of Public Safety Warns Of Fake Ticket Text Scam

Michael

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Post on May 29, 2025

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Georgia DPS Issues Urgent Warning: Beware of Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam

Georgia residents are urged to be vigilant after reports of a sophisticated text message scam impersonating the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS). The fraudulent texts claim recipients have outstanding traffic violations and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or license suspension. This deceptive tactic preys on citizens' fear of legal repercussions and aims to steal personal and financial information.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety has issued a strong warning, urging citizens not to engage with these suspicious messages. The department emphasizes that it will never request payment for traffic violations via text message. Official notifications regarding traffic citations are always delivered through traditional mail.

How to Identify the Scam:

The fake text messages typically contain:

• A sense of urgency: The message often threatens immediate consequences if payment isn't made promptly.
• Generic wording: The text lacks personalized details specific to an actual traffic violation.
• Suspicious links: Clicking on the embedded links often leads to phishing websites designed to steal personal information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, and bank account details.
• Poor grammar and spelling: The messages often contain grammatical errors and typos, a common hallmark of scams.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text:

• Do not respond: Ignoring the message is the best course of action. Responding only confirms your phone number is active, potentially leading to more scams.
• Do not click any links: Clicking links can install malware on your phone or redirect you to fraudulent websites.
• Report the text: Forward the suspicious text message to 7726 (SPAM). This helps carriers identify and block malicious numbers.
• Check your official traffic record: Visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website () to check for any legitimate outstanding traffic violations.

The Importance of Online Safety:

This scam highlights the increasing prevalence of online fraud. Staying informed about common scams and practicing safe online habits is crucial to protecting yourself and your information. Remember, legitimate government agencies will rarely, if ever, contact you via text message for payment. Always verify information through official channels before taking any action.

Staying Safe Online: Helpful Resources:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Learn more about identifying and reporting scams at
• Georgia Attorney General's Office: Report fraud and scams to the Georgia Attorney General's office. Contact information can be found on their official website.

Conclusion:

The Georgia Department of Public Safety's warning serves as a critical reminder to be cautious of unsolicited text messages demanding payment for alleged traffic violations. By staying informed and following these simple precautions, Georgia residents can protect themselves from becoming victims of this pervasive scam. Remember, when in doubt, always verify the information through official channels. Your vigilance is your best defense against fraud.