Threatening Traffic Ticket Scam Text Is Back In Illinois With A Huge Typo

As if we won't all have enough travel stress over the holidays.

Yet again, there are scammers sneaking into your phones with some kind of threatening text. They claim to be from the Illinois DMV and that you owe an unpaid traffic ticket fee and if you don't pay it, your registration could be suspended, you could be prosecuted, your credit score impacted, or a 35% higher rate for you at tolls.

And just in time for the holidays there's a new scam going around. It's texts that identify as being from the Illinois DMV. But here's what the latest texts (obtained by NBC Chicago) say. See if you can spot the major typo:

Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement will begin on November 5rd.

 

Our records show that you still have outstanding traffic tickets as of today. According to Illinois Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you fail to pay your fines by November 4nd, 2025, we will take the following actions:

 

1. Report your violation to the DMV database.

2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting November 4nd.

3. Suspend your driving privileges for 30 days.

4. Charge a 35% service fee at toll booths.

5. You may face prosecution and your credit score will be affected.

 

Pay now (with a link)

Please pay your fines immediately before enforcement begins to avoid license suspension and further legal trouble.

 

(Reply "Y" and reopen this email or copy it to your browser.)

What day exactly is the '5rd' and the '4nd'?

Various Illinois police departments and the Secretary of State's office are warning you to not click on the link in these texts.

Remember: the only reason the DMV would text you is to remind you of an appointment.

The Illinois DMV has had no shortage of 'smishers' pretending to be them this year via text message. Now, ahead of the holiday travel rush, there's another one to look out for. Don't click on the link!