DRIVERS are being told to ignore a traffic fine warning that’s been sent to numerous phones across a US state.
A text message that warns motorists of an apparently unpaid traffic fine has been reported as a scam that motorists shouldn’t act upon.
Numerous driver are being told to ignore a traffic fine warning that’s been sent to phones across a US state[/caption]
Authorities say these messages are fake and advises recipients to delete them[/caption]
According to FOX13Memphis, the fake alert reads: “Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket.”
And the message goes on to say that if a payment is not made by August 1, 2025, the recipient could have their vehicle registration suspended.
However, road users in Tennessee, where the message has swept across the state, are being reminded that legitimate agencies do not send threatening texts about unpaid fines or revoke registrations for unpaid parking tickets.
The Tennessee Department of Revenue has clarified that these messages are fake and advises recipients to delete them and report them as junk.
A message posted on the Department of Revenue’s social media accounts Tuesday, July 29, said: “This text message is a scam.
“You cannot get your vehicle registration revoked for an unpaid parking ticket.”
Similar scams have occurred before, including one in June 2025 where messages pretended to come from the Department of Motor Vehicles with similar threats.
Authorities also recommend avoiding clicking on links in such texts, not responding to them, and only using verified contact details for any official queries.
This comes as a car owner trying to sell his vintage set of wheels was nearly scammed out of it by several fraudsters he met online.
A recent report revealed Matt Neff was forced to fight off three scammers posing as buyers for his classic 1948 Packard.
Neff’s ad for his vintage red car drew instant attention the moment it was posted online.
“As soon as the ad went live, I got an immediate response,” Neff told ABC affiliate WCPO.
After the ad was posted, Neff was approached by seedy buyers.
The first buyer eagerly approached Neff and offered to send a check to his home.
“He said I am extremely busy; I will send you a check, wait till the check clears, and we will arrange transportation,” Neff said.
When Neff received the check, however, it was for more than the asking price.
The scammer told the Packard owner to send the excess amount to a shipping company.
“I said I am not going to spend any money until it clears your bank,” Neff said.
“And sure enough, 10 days later, it came back as a counterfeit check.”
After he avoided that tactic, two other fraudsters messaged him using less apparent schemes.
How to avoid a contractor scam
Tips to avoid being scammed into a driveway, sidewalk, or walkway job:
Just because someone shows up at your door wearing a reflective vest, a hard hat, and work boots does not mean they come from a reputable contracting company.
A scammer may tell you they could do a driveway, walkway, or sidewalk repaving for much cheaper than the previous contractor told you, appealing to homeowners looking to save thousands on home repairs.
Before writing a check or paying cash for what seems like an offer that’s too good to be true, here are some tips to ensure it’s not a scam.
- Get three quotes from three different companies to see the variation in pricing.
- Never pay in advance. A reputable company will not take money upfront, as prices vary by the job, and complications can raise the price.
- Ask for a contractor license. In many states, if you ask to see their license, contractors are legally obligated to present it.
- Avoid door-to-door salesmen who say they’re in the area doing work. Many times, they’ll take a deposit and never show.
- Avoid paying by cashier’s check, cash, or via wire transfer. Paying with a credit card is the easiest way to dispute it if it is a scam.
- Keep communication in writing, such as email or text, to help protect you if things need to be handled legally and a police report is needed.
- Don’t feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Sometimes scammers will create a sense of urgency, but it’s important to take a step back and do some research.
Read more here.
