GEORGIA () – Georgia law enforcement authorities are warning residents of text messages claiming to be from a false state department.

The message shown in the scam is below:

Georgia State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Commence on May 29. Our database indicates that as of today, you have an unresolved traffic ticket. Following the Georgia State Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if payment is not completed by May 28, 2025, we will implement the following actions:

• 1. Report to the DMV violation database
• 2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting May 28
• 3. Suspend driving privileges for 30 days
• 4. Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee
• 5. You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected

Pay Now: Please settle this immediately before enforcement begins to prevent license suspension and additional legal problems. (Reply Y and re-open this message to click the link, or copy it to your browser.)

Law enforcement says to not click the link or respond to this message.

“This message is FAKE and intended to frighten you into relinquishing your personal or financial details,” the Washington County Sheriff’s Office warned in an alert. “There is no ‘State Department of Motor Vehicles’ in Georgia – it’s known as the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Genuine agencies do not send threats through unsolicited text messages.”

“This is NOT how unpaid citations work and this is a scam,” the Grovetown Police Department said. “If you are ever unsure, reach out to your local law enforcement for guidance.”

If you’re ever unsure about a ticket or your license status, go directly to the official site: