KYTC says text message scam still being reported

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says a scam involving fake texts from the KYTC has not gone away.

The KYTC says reports are still coming in regarding fraudulent text messages impersonating the Cabinet, the Office of Highway Safety, and driver licensing offices, with the texts including a suspicious link that appears similar to Kentucky government website addresses. The scam text warns customers of unpaid traffic tickets or “traffic infractions” with notices that payment is due or actions will be taken.

The KYTC does not collect traffic ticket fees, and does not notify customers of violations via text messages. The Cabinet does not refer to itself or its offices as “KDOT” or the “DMV” and only does business on the website drive.ky.gov.

The KYTC says beware of text messages that include the word “pay” or add hyphens to official-looking links. Never click a suspicious link you receive in a text or email. When in doubt, reach out to the agency to confirm authenticity. If you have clicked a link or provided any personal information, contact your bank immediately.

The KYTC says it is working to have fraudulent websites taken down. If you receive a scam text, you can forward the suspicious message to 7726 or report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov) or the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General (ag.ky.gov). Sign up for Kentucky scam alerts at stopscams.ky.gov.