Frankfort, KY – Kentucky residents are being warned not to click links in suspicious text messages claiming to be from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), as state officials sound the alarm on a newly reported scam targeting drivers.
According to a statement from the Kentucky State Police and the KYTC shared Wednesday, scammers are sending fraudulent texts that falsely claim recipients owe outstanding traffic ticket payments. The message threatens penalties such as vehicle registration suspension, driving privilege loss, and added fees if payment is not made by May 30, 2025.
The texts link to a fake website disguised to look like an official state page and urge immediate payment to avoid alleged legal consequences. Authorities emphasized that KYTC does not collect traffic ticket fees and has no involvement with this messaging.
“If you receive one of these texts, do not click on the link,” the alert reads. Instead, officials are urging residents to report the scam through official channels:
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
- Federal Trade Commission: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Kentucky Attorney General: www.ag.ky.gov/scams
- You can also forward the message to 7726 (SPAM)
Anyone who may have already clicked the link or entered personal information is advised to contact their financial institution immediately. The Transportation Cabinet reiterated that legitimate state communications will never request sensitive data or demand payment through unsolicited messages.
Authorities continue to monitor the scam and encourage vigilance among Kentucky residents.
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