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Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are sounding the alarm about a new wave of text message scams targeting residents across the state, including several reports in Washington Parish. The latest scam falsely claims that recipients owe payment for an “outstanding traffic ticket” and urges immediate action to avoid legal consequences.

The messages, which appear to be from the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), threaten prosecution, suspension of driving privileges, and negative impacts on credit scores if payment is not made by a specific date. These communications are designed to create panic and trick victims into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive personal and financial information.

A sample scam text received by several Washington Parish residents reads:

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Louisiana Department of Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 8.
Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with New South Louisiana Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you do not complete payment by June 6, 2025, we will take the following actions:

1. Report to the DMV violation database

2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting June 8

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:
https://expresslane.org-xcfg.vip/us

Authorities urge residents not to click any links or respond to these fraudulent messages.

“The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations,” an OMV spokesperson clarified. “These types of communications are red flags for scams.”

The OMV offers the following tips to protect against fraud:

• DO NOT click on links in unsolicited messages from unknown or unverified sources.

• DO NOT respond or provide personal information via text or email.

• Delete suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov.

• Be cautious with communications from anonymous senders or unusual formats.

• Verify any claims by directly contacting the agency through their official website or phone numbers.

• Watch for typical scam signs like vague web links, incorrect grammar, and too-good-to-be-true rewards or aggressive threats.

For secure and official services, Louisiana residents are reminded to use the official OMV website at www.expresslane.org.

If you or someone you know receives a suspicious message, report it immediately and spread the word to help protect your community.