ADOT warns Arizonans about latest text-messaging scam posing as fake agency

PHOENIX — Scammers are back with another attempt at procuring away Arizona drivers’ hard-earned cash.

The scam attempt sees text message senders posing as an off-brand Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) claiming the receiver has unpaid traffic tickets. It also threatens people with consequences in the event a deadline is not met.

The most telling part of the scam? The sender identifies itself as the State of Arizona Department of Vehicles, which does not exist. It also uses a “DMV” acronym, which does not match its stated name.

(Sigh) ANOTHER pay-or-you're-in-DMV-trouble scam. 🙄 For the uninitiated:
• No, it's not legitimate.
• Neither the MVD nor ADOT ever texts people about money owed.

Just delete these (after reporting them as spam to your cell service carrier).

More: https://t.co/re1dGFLE1g pic.twitter.com/sVNKCMUKEY

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 4, 2026

“ADOT doesn’t collect for unpaid traffic tickets, and even if we did, we wouldn’t be texting you like this,” the factual department said in a press release.

The department advised residents to be on the lookout for “bad grammar, botched punctuation, tortured syntax and errors of fact” that would “enrage your favorite English teacher.” Most of all, it warned receivers to not click any links in the message.

Anyone who may be concerned about fees owed after receiving the scam message can visit their account on azmvdnow.gov to check for outstanding payments, or simply visit a DMV in person.

There have been at least two other similar scams within the last year.

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