Pa. officials warn of PennDOT text phishing scams

Do not click on links within text messages that claim to be from Pennsylvania agencies.

By MEGAN SWIFT
TribLive

If you’ve received a text message recently from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, it’s definitely a phishing scam, state officials say.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration Thursday put out a notice — alongside PennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission — warning of text phishing scams “currently targeting Pennsylvanians.”

PennDOT confirmed it does not send text messages to its customers for any reason. It uses traditional mail sent via the U.S. Postal Service.

The phishing text messages threaten the suspension of driving and vehicle registration privileges for not paying a fine or toll violation. The warning from state officials said people should never click links in these messages. That could lead to giving their personal or financial information to scammers who will use that information to steal a customer’s identity or money.

Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, acting commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, said some of the phishing messages threaten legal action and urge recipients to log in through a provided link and type in personal or financial information. They’re “designed to create a sense of urgency,” he said.

“If you receive a text message notice from a sender claiming to be from PennDOT who is threatening to suspend your license or registration privilege, do not click on any links. Just delete the message,” said Kara Templeton, PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services deputy secretary. “These messages are not from PennDOT.”

State tolling agencies across the country have also seen a surge in fake texts requesting money for unpaid tolls since 2024, with the intention to steal personal and financial information. PA Turnpike also said it does not text E-ZPass or Toll By Plate customers; the links included in the text message are not connected to their organization.

E-ZPass account holders and Toll By Plate customers can instead use “approved, safe methods to check their accounts” like the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app, the warning says.

Pennsylvanians who believe they have encountered a scam text or email regarding their driving or vehicle records are encouraged to contact PennDOT by calling at 717-412-5300 or sending an email to PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services, the announcement says. And any victims of scams should contact their local law enforcement agency and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, state police said.

“Unfortunately, malicious actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to exploit Pennsylvanians,” Bivens said. “It is crucial for everyone to recognize the signs of a scam and take proactive steps to protect themselves.”

State police advised following these guidelines to protect yourself from scams:

• Never share personal information, including banking or credit card details, through email or text message.

• Stay vigilant, as scam emails or text messages usually appear legitimate.

• If you are not expecting an email or text message from an entity, do not click on any links or respond to the message.

• Look up a legitimate customer service phone number for the entity and contact them directly.