Plainfield, IL – Residents in Plainfield are being warned about a scam text message circulating this week that falsely claims recipients have an unpaid traffic fine and face license or vehicle registration suspension if they do not pay immediately.
According to local officials, the fraudulent messages are designed to look official and often include legal language, references to Illinois law, and a payment deadline meant to create urgency. The texts typically claim enforcement actions will begin if payment is not made and include a suspicious link posing as an “official” payment portal.
The scam message often reads as a “final notice” for an unpaid traffic citation and may threaten consequences such as driver’s license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, collections activity, or legal action. Some versions falsely reference Illinois statutes and agencies such as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Officials stress that this message is a scam.
IDOT, local police departments, and Illinois courts do not collect traffic fines via text message, and they do not request payment through unfamiliar or third-party web links. Legitimate traffic citations are handled in person, by mail, or through official court or government websites.
Residents who receive one of these messages are urged not to click any links and not to provide personal or financial information. The safest action is to delete the message immediately.
Anyone who is unsure whether they owe a traffic fine should contact the appropriate court or government agency directly using a verified phone number or official website — not information provided in the text message.
Authorities are encouraging residents in Plainfield, Will County, and the surrounding Chicago metro area to share the warning to help prevent others from falling victim to the scam.
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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