The Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are issuing a warning to residents about a new wave of text message scams designed to steal personal information and impose fraudulent fees. The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and take immediate precautions to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
In this latest scam, numerous Louisiana residents have reported receiving text messages falsely claiming they have an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee to avoid legal consequences. These messages, authorities confirm, are entirely fraudulent. Recipients are strongly advised not to click on any links, respond to the messages, or send payments. Instead, the OMV recommends deleting these messages immediately.
The Louisiana OMV has provided a series of tips to help residents protect themselves from scams:
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Do not click on any links included in unsolicited messages from unknown or unverified sources.
-Do Not Share Personal Information: Refrain from responding or sending personal details via text messages.
-Report Fraudulent Activity: Delete suspicious texts and emails, and report them to the Federal Trade Commission at [reportfraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov).
- Exercise Caution: Be cautious with communications from anonymous sources and verify their legitimacy.
- Look for Red Flags: Scams often include vague URLs, incorrect grammar, or promises of rewards.
Officials emphasize that the Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for unpaid traffic tickets or other violations. Residents seeking legitimate online services are encouraged to use the official OMV website at [www.expresslane.org](http://www.expresslane.org), which ensures secure transactions.
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert as scammers continue to evolve their tactics. By following these guidelines and staying informed, Louisiana residents can better protect themselves from falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
