I wrote earlier this year about a texting scam sent to Illinois drivers regarding fake unpaid tolls. The scammers would send a text threatening drivers license suspensions if the fines were not paid.
The scammers are back at again. NBC 5 Chicago reported this week that a new phishing scam has surfaced. Text messages stating there are “outstanding traffic ticket” with a “final notice” from a number purporting to be the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles. The fake messages warn that if the fines are not paid within 24 hours it could lead vehicle registration suspension, prosecution, credit score impact, and a 35% fee at tolls.
We know these are fake text messages because there is no such thing as the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles. Vehicles are registered through the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office previously issued a warning back in May regarding the similar phishing scam: “These are not legitimate messages from the Illinois Department of Transportation,” a banner on IDOT’s website said. “If you receive a message report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.”
If you receive one of these messages, please remember to ignore and do not click on any of the links as that could lead to stolen personal information on your phone.
If you or a loved one has been injured in Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then reach out to the Chicago personal injury attorneys at The Bryant Law Group, LLC. for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or go directly to the firm’s website at www.blgchicago.com.