You know it's a scam when the DMV suddenly texts you at 7:30 AM demanding money — and somehow still misspells “June 2.”
In this publication, we're uncovering a growing phishing scam hitting Pennsylvanians right on their phones. If you’ve received a text demanding payment for a mysterious traffic ticket, keep reading — this one’s designed to look official and steal fast. Let’s dive in.
Scammers are posing as the Pennsylvania DMV in text messages demanding immediate payment for fake traffic tickets. The goal? Trick you into clicking a fraudulent link and handing over personal and financial info.
How It Works:
- You receive a text message that looks like a final warning from the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Motor Vehicles (DMV),” referencing a fake unpaid ticket.
- It includes a scary-sounding statute (like “15c-16.003”) and threatens severe penalties — license suspension, credit damage, legal action.
- The message pressures you to act fast and links to a fake website (e.g., padmv.gov-wsafa.win/portal) that looks like a real government site.
- Once you click, you’re directed to a form that asks for personal and financial information — which scammers then use for fraud.
Who’s Targeted:
- Pennsylvania residents, especially those unfamiliar with how PennDOT communicates
- People who drive regularly or might have minor traffic infractions, making the scam seem more believable
- Anyone with a phone, especially those with poor digital hygiene or limited scam awareness
Real-Life Example:
The Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania received multiple versions of the scam message from different numbers, including one from a +63 international phone number (Philippines). The messages all referenced bogus ticket numbers and included links to .win domains — a major red flag.
Scott Davis, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania, warned:
“Cybercriminals count on confusion between state agencies and poor digital hygiene. The more people report it, the more we know it’s working — and that’s a problem.”
Why You Should Care:
This scam doesn’t just try to scare you — it can drain your bank account, steal your identity, or infect your phone with malware. Worse, it preys on urgency and fear, making it easy for even careful people to slip up.
Unlike PennDOT — which does not send unsolicited ticket notices via text — scammers rely on fake authority and pressure tactics to make you act before thinking.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Know the agency's name — In Pennsylvania, it’s PennDOT, not the “DMV.”
• Check the link before clicking — Real government sites end in .gov or .pa.gov, never .win or random extensions.
• Verify the message independently — Contact PennDOT directly using official channels, not the info in the message.
• Report the scam — Mark the message as phishing or spam on your device and forward it to the PA Office of Attorney General.
• Already clicked? Act fast — Call your bank, freeze your accounts if needed, and file a police report.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: “Did you know? PennDOT will never request payments or share traffic fines via text message — especially not from an international number.”
Pro Tip: “When in doubt, slow down. Urgency is the scammer’s best friend — yours is a quick Google search or call to a real agency.”
Update: The Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania is tracking this scam’s spread. If you receive the message, report it to them directly to help protect others.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords Defined:
• Phishing – A fraudulent attempt to get sensitive info by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.
• SMiShing – Phishing done through SMS (text messages).
• PennDOT – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the real state agency responsible for driving and vehicle-related matters.
• .gov Domain – A government-verified domain name that ensures a site is officially recognized in the U.S.
• Cyber Hygiene – Habits and practices that help keep your digital information safe.
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