Marseilles, Illinois – Police in Marseilles are warning residents about phishing texts falsely claiming unpaid traffic fines and penalties.
According to the Marseilles Police Department, scammers are sending messages that appear to come from the Illinois Department of Transportation, alleging recipients owe money tied to tolls or traffic violations. The messages instruct individuals to submit payment by a specific deadline or face consequences.
Authorities say the fraudulent texts include threats such as immediate suspension of vehicle registration, a 30-day loss of driving privileges, and additional fees, including a reported 55% processing charge. Some messages also warn of potential legal action or negative credit reporting if payment is not made promptly.
Police emphasized these messages are not legitimate and are not affiliated with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Officials urge residents not to click links, share personal information, or send payments in response to these texts.
The department advises anyone who receives such a message to delete it and report the scam. Residents can also verify any legitimate fines directly through official state websites or agencies.
The alert comes as text-based phishing scams continue to rise, often targeting drivers and commuters with urgent-sounding claims tied to transportation or licensing.
For students and young workers who rely on daily travel, officials say these scams can be especially disruptive if mistaken for real notices.
Anyone who believes they may have interacted with a scam message is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
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