Bradley, IL – A new text message scam targeting Illinois residents is making the rounds, falsely claiming recipients owe money for unpaid traffic violations and threatening license suspension if payment is not made immediately.
The fraudulent message appears to come from a state agency and alleges the recipient has pending traffic tickets requiring urgent payment. It warns of consequences including vehicle registration suspension, driver’s license suspension, and possible legal action if the balance is not paid by a specified deadline.
According to the Bradley Police Department, the scam began circulating this week and mimics official government language to appear legitimate. Authorities say the message includes a suspicious payment link and instructs users to reply before accessing it—common tactics used in phishing schemes designed to steal personal or financial information.
Police emphasize that legitimate government agencies, including the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, do not send text messages requesting payment or threatening immediate penalties. Officials are urging residents not to click on any links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited messages.
The scam message references Illinois statutes and uses urgent language such as “ACT NOW TO AVOID LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES,” aiming to pressure recipients into quick action without verification.
Law enforcement advises anyone who receives such a message to delete it immediately and report it to local authorities. Residents can also verify any claims about tickets or fines by contacting official state agencies directly through verified websites or phone numbers.
Officials continue to warn that scammers frequently update their tactics, making public awareness a key defense against fraud. Community members are encouraged to share information about scams with family and neighbors, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to such schemes.
