Georgia Department Of Public Safety Warns Of Text Message Ticket Scam

Michael

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Post on May 28, 2025

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Georgia DPS Issues Urgent Warning: Text Message Ticket Scam Targeting Drivers

Georgia drivers are urged to be vigilant after the Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued a warning about a sophisticated text message scam targeting motorists. The scam mimics official communications, leading unsuspecting victims to believe they have outstanding traffic violations and must pay fines immediately. This deceptive tactic preys on drivers’ anxieties about potential legal repercussions.

The Georgia DPS is actively working to combat this fraudulent activity, which has already affected numerous residents across the state. The department emphasizes that legitimate traffic citations are never delivered via text message. Instead, official notices are typically sent by mail, providing ample opportunity to review the details and contest the citation if necessary.

How the Scam Works

The text message scam typically begins with a convincing message claiming to be from the Georgia DPS or a local law enforcement agency. The message often includes details such as:

• A seemingly legitimate case number or citation number. This adds a layer of credibility to the fraudulent communication.
• A link to a fake website. This website mimics the official Georgia DPS website but is designed to steal personal and financial information.
• A sense of urgency. Victims are pressured to pay the fine immediately to avoid further penalties or legal action.

Do not click on any links in these suspicious text messages. Instead, report the message to the appropriate authorities and delete it immediately.

How to Protect Yourself

The Georgia DPS recommends taking the following steps to protect yourself from this and similar scams:

• Verify the source: Never trust information solely from a text message. If you receive a message claiming you have an outstanding ticket, contact your local courthouse or the Georgia DPS directly to confirm its legitimacy. You can find contact information on the official Georgia Department of Public Safety website.
• Look for red flags: Be wary of messages with poor grammar, spelling errors, or unusual formatting. Legitimate government communications maintain a high standard of professionalism.
• Don't click suspicious links: Never click on links in unsolicited text messages or emails.
• Report suspicious activity: Report any suspicious text messages to the Georgia DPS and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Contacting the Georgia Department of Public Safety

For accurate information regarding traffic violations in Georgia, contact the Georgia Department of Public Safety directly through their official website or by phone. Avoid using any contact information provided in suspicious text messages. Remember, official communication from the Georgia DPS will never ask for sensitive personal or financial information via text message.

The Georgia DPS urges all residents to remain alert and to report any instances of this scam immediately. By remaining vigilant and following these safety precautions, you can protect yourself and help prevent others from falling victim to this fraudulent scheme.

Keywords: Georgia DPS, Text Message Scam, Traffic Ticket Scam, Georgia Traffic Citation, Fake Ticket, Online Scam, Cybercrime, Internet Fraud, Department of Public Safety, Georgia Law Enforcement, Scam Alert, Cyber Security, Consumer Protection.