The Arkansas Department of Transportation is urging residents to be cautious following a surge in fraudulent text messages falsely claiming to be from the “Arkansas Vehicle Administration.”
The scam messages attempt to collect personal or payment information by stating that recipients owe money for traffic violations, according to ARDOT. Some messages include links designed to appear legitimate and even use real ticket numbers.
Officials emphasized that the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, which handles traffic fines, is a separate agency from ARDOT and does not issue citations or payment notices via text.
“DFA will never send you a text regarding a traffic ticket,” DFA spokesperson Scott Hardin said. “Please ignore it and warn friends and family. Thousands of Arkansans are receiving this text today.”
The scam follows a similar scheme reported in February, when Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin warned residents about fraudulent toll road texts. In that case, scammers posed as toll service providers to extract sensitive information and trick people into making fake payments.
“If you get one of these texts, please fill out the robocall reporting form on my website, and do not send payment to any entity that only contacts you via text,” Griffin said.
Officials advise Arkansans to avoid clicking on suspicious links, refrain from sharing personal information via text, and report suspected scams to the attorney general’s office.
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