Lafayette, LA — The Louisiana State Police (LSP) and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) have issued a warning to residents about a new text message scam that aims to steal personal information and charge fraudulent fees.
According to an LSP spokesperson, numerous Louisiana residents have reported receiving unsolicited text messages claiming that they have “outstanding traffic tickets” and must pay a fee immediately to avoid legal consequences. The scam messages often include links that, when clicked, can lead to identity theft or unauthorized charges.
In response, the OMV urges customers to ignore and delete any such messages. “The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations,” an official statement reads.
To help residents protect themselves, the OMV recommends the following precautions:
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Do not click on links from unknown or unverified sources.
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Avoid responding to suspicious messages or sharing personal information via text.
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Delete suspicious texts and emails promptly.
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Report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
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Verify the legitimacy of any communication received, especially if it contains vague URLs, offers of rewards, or poor grammar.
Residents seeking to pay legitimate fees or access OMV services safely are encouraged to use the official website at www.expresslane.org.
Officials emphasize vigilance as scammers continue to develop new tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals. “Exercise caution with all communications from anonymous sources,” the OMV advises.