Boone County, IL – Residents across Boone County are being warned today about a scam text message circulating that falsely claims to be from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), threatening fines or license suspension for unpaid traffic tickets.
According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the fraudulent message tells recipients they have an outstanding traffic violation and must pay by a specific date or face penalties such as vehicle registration suspension, driver’s license suspension, added fees, or even prosecution.
Authorities say the message is not legitimate and is designed to pressure people into clicking a link or sending payment. The text often appears to come from IDOT or the Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles and may include official-looking logos, legal code references, and urgent language.
The Sheriff’s Office advises residents to take the following steps if they receive the message:
- Do not click any links
- Do not reply “Y” or respond in any way
- Delete the message immediately
Officials emphasized that legitimate government agencies do not demand payment through unsolicited text messages. Any official notice regarding traffic tickets or license issues is typically sent by mail or handled through verified online portals accessed directly by the user.
Residents who are unsure whether they owe a fine are encouraged to contact IDOT or the Illinois Secretary of State directly using official phone numbers or websites — not the contact information included in the text.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office also shared example screenshots of the scam to help residents recognize the warning signs and avoid becoming victims. Authorities urge residents to spread the word, especially to older adults who may be more vulnerable to fraud.
Anyone who believes they may have interacted with the scam or provided personal or financial information should report it to local law enforcement and monitor their financial accounts.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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