Beware of Text Scam Claiming Unpaid Traffic Violations

The Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, is warning the public about a scam involving fraudulent text messages about unpaid traffic tickets.

Beginning Friday, May 23, the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office received multiple reports from customers who received text messages claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The messages stated the recipient had an outstanding traffic citation and urged immediate payment to avoid penalties such as:

1. Placement in the DMV violation database
2. Suspension of vehicle registration starting the day the text was received
3. Suspension of driving privileges for 30 days
4. Transfer to a toll booth with a 35% service fee
5. Possible prosecution and impact to credit score

The message includes a “Pay Now” link and prompts the recipient to respond “Y” or reopen the message to access the link or copy it into a browser.

This is a scam.

The Clerk & Comptroller’s Office and other government agencies will never send payment demands via text message or make legal threats. Official notices regarding unpaid traffic citations are always issued by mail on official office letterhead.

If you receive one of these texts, do not click the link or reply. Instead, delete the message and report it as spam.

For questions about your traffic ticket status, contact the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office directly at (941) 749-1800 or visit www.ManateeClerk.com.

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