The Iowa Department of Transportation is warning Iowans about a new wave of fraudulent text messages claiming drivers owe money for unpaid traffic violations or tolls.
Officials say the messages appear to come from the Iowa DOT or a state “DMV,” and often include a link directing recipients to make a payment. However, the messages are scams designed to steal personal and financial information.
The Iowa DOT emphasizes that it does not send text messages requesting payment or personal information. Any official payment requests are handled through mail or secure online transactions initiated by the customer.
It’s also important to note that Iowa does not have toll roads, making any message referencing unpaid tolls an immediate red flag.
Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency, threatening additional fees, license suspension, or other penalties if payment is not made right away.
State officials urge anyone who receives one of these messages not to click on any links or respond. Instead, report the message as spam and delete it.
If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate, officials recommend contacting the Iowa DOT directly using verified contact information.