A new scam is circulating across Miami-Dade—and if you drive, you’re a target.
Local officials are warning residents about fraudulent text messages pretending to be from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), claiming you have unpaid traffic citations.
These messages are not real—and engaging with them could put your money and personal data at risk.
For drivers in South Florida, this is something you need to take seriously.
Learn more: 2026 Nissan Leaf Reinvented: What Miami Drivers Need to Know About Nissan’s EV Comeback
How the Scam Works
The scam follows a simple but effective tactic:
- You receive a text claiming you have an unpaid traffic ticket
- The message appears urgent or threatening (fees, penalties, license issues)
- It includes a link or payment request
- You’re pushed to act quickly
The goal:
- Steal your payment information
- Capture personal data (name, license, address)
- Potentially access your phone or accounts
Important:
These messages may look legitimate—but they are completely fake.
What Miami-Dade Officials Are Saying
The Miami-Dade Tax Collector has made it clear:
- They do NOT send text messages requesting payment
- The FLHSMV does NOT ask you to click links for violations
- Any message like this is a scam attempt
Official guidance:
Do not click links. Do not respond. Delete the message immediately.
If you’re unsure, always verify directly through:
- Official government websites
- Verified phone numbers
Never trust a random text.
Why Drivers Are Being Targeted
This scam is specifically designed for drivers because:
- Almost everyone has received a ticket at some point
- Traffic violations create urgency
- People want to resolve issues quickly
In Miami:
With heavy traffic areas like:
- Kendall
- US-1
- Doral
- Downtown
…it’s easy for scammers to make the message feel believable.
Red Flags to Watch For
Here’s how to quickly identify a scam text:
🚩 Signs it’s fake:
- Urgent language (“Pay now or face penalties”)
- Unknown or suspicious links
- Generic sender name
- Requests for immediate payment
- No official case number you can verify
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Don’t click any link
- Don’t enter your information
- Don’t reply
What To Do If You Receive One
If you get one of these messages:
Step-by-step:
- Do NOT interact with it
- Delete the message immediately
- Mark it as spam
- Report it if possible through your carrier
If you already clicked:
- Monitor your bank accounts
- Change passwords immediately
- Contact your bank if payment info was entered
Why This Matters for Everyday Drivers
This isn’t just a tech issue—it’s part of being a responsible driver today.
Just like:
- Maintaining your brakes
- Checking your tires
- Staying alert on the road
…you also need to protect yourself digitally.
Express Auto Care Tip: Stay Safe On and Off the Road
At Express Auto Care in Country Walk, we’re always focused on keeping Miami drivers safe—not just mechanically, but practically.
Here’s our advice:
- Stay skeptical of unexpected messages
- Verify everything through official sources
- Treat your personal data like your vehicle: protect it at all times
Final Takeaway
If you receive a text about unpaid traffic tickets:
👉 It’s a scam
👉 Don’t click anything
👉 Delete it immediately
As scams become more targeted, awareness is your best defense.
