The Pennsylvania State Police are warning residents about a recent surge in scam text messages from individuals fraudulently posing as representatives of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC).
According to a news release from state police, scammers are sending unsolicited messages to random cellphones, claiming the recipient owes fines for traffic violations or unpaid tolls. The texts often include links to phony websites designed to steal personal or financial information.
The messages frequently use scare tactics, threatening recipients with escalating penalties, driver's license suspension, or even arrest if they do not make immediate payments.
In many cases, victims are instructed to pay using gift cards and are asked to provide the card numbers. Other common payment methods requested include wire transfers and cryptocurrency—methods that are difficult to trace and recover.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. Residents should avoid clicking on links in suspicious messages and never share personal or financial information with unknown contacts.
