Georgia Department Of Public Safety Warns Of New Text Message Ticket Scam

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Georgia DPS Issues Urgent Warning: New Text Message Ticket Scam Targets Drivers

Georgia drivers are being targeted by a sophisticated new text message scam mimicking official traffic violation notices from the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS). The department is urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to this fraudulent scheme designed to steal personal information and money.

The scam involves a text message appearing to originate from the Georgia DPS, often containing a convincing but fake citation number and a link to a fraudulent website. These messages claim drivers have outstanding traffic violations and demand immediate payment to avoid further penalties. However, clicking the link leads to a phishing website designed to harvest personal data, including credit card information and driver's license details.

How to Spot the Scam:

• Suspicious Sender: The text message may not come from an official Georgia DPS number. Legitimate notices are typically sent via mail, not text.
• Generic Language: The message may contain generic language or lack specific details about the alleged violation. A real citation would include specific information about the offense, location, and date.
• Urgent Tone: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly without thinking.
• Suspicious Link: Hover over links before clicking. The actual URL may reveal it's not associated with the Georgia DPS website (www.gahighwaysafety.org).

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text:

1. Do not click any links. This is crucial to avoid compromising your personal information.
2. Do not respond to the text message. Responding only encourages further scams.
3. Verify the citation through official channels. Contact your local courthouse or the Georgia DPS directly to confirm if any outstanding citations exist.
4. Report the scam. Forward the text message to the Georgia DPS and report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.

The Georgia DPS emphasizes the importance of exercising caution when dealing with unexpected communications claiming to be from government agencies. Legitimate traffic citations are always mailed and will never request immediate payment via text message or a suspicious online link.

Protecting Yourself from Online Scams:

• Be wary of unsolicited communications: Don't trust messages or emails from unknown senders, even if they appear official.
• Verify information: Always check the legitimacy of any communication before responding or clicking links.
• Keep your software updated: Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware software are up-to-date.
• Use strong passwords: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords.

This latest scam highlights the growing threat of online fraud. By staying informed and following these precautions, Georgia drivers can protect themselves from becoming victims. Remember, the Georgia DPS will never solicit payments for traffic violations via text message. If you're unsure about a communication, it's always best to err on the side of caution and contact the relevant authority directly.

Keywords: Georgia Department of Public Safety, DPS, Text Message Scam, Ticket Scam, Georgia Traffic Ticket Scam, Phishing, Online Scam, Cyber Security, Fraud, Georgia Drivers, Traffic Violation, Scammers, Online Safety, Cybercrime, FTC Complaint