Massachusetts drivers are being hit with a new wave of scam text messages that look alarmingly real. These texts claim you owe money for an unpaid traffic ticket—and if you don’t pay right away, they say your license and registration could be suspended.
AAA Northeast is sounding the alarm and wants everyone to know: these texts are 100% fake.
What the Text Looks Like
The message usually says something like:
“You have an overdue traffic citation. Failure to pay will result in license suspension and vehicle registration revocation. Pay now.”
It might also include a link that looks legit—but clicking it could put your personal and financial info at risk.
According to AAA, this scam has been picking up speed across Massachusetts and surrounding states. It’s similar to a fake E‑ZPass toll scam that circulated earlier this year.
Why This Scam Works
Scammers are clever. They’re counting on the fact that most people will get nervous when they see a message like this—especially if it says their license is on the line. In the rush to fix the problem, people might not stop to ask, “Is this even real?”
That sense of panic is exactly what scammers are going for. But here’s the truth: the RMV never sends traffic ticket notices by text. If you owed money for a real ticket, you’d get a letter in the mail—not a random text.
What AAA Is Telling People
Mark Schieldrop from AAA Northeast put it simply:
“If you get a text like this, don’t click the link. Just delete it.”
He says scammers are trying to steal your credit card info or other personal details. Even clicking the link could expose your phone to malware.
So what should you do if you get one of these messages? AAA recommends the following:
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Don’t click anything in the text.
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Don’t reply or engage with the message.
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Delete it immediately, and report it as spam.
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If you’re really unsure, contact the RMV directly or check your account on their official website.
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If you already clicked the link or made a payment, call your bank right away and report it to the police.
How to Tell It’s a Scam
Here are a few signs to watch for:
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The message uses scare tactics—suspension, revocation, legal threats.
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It comes from a strange or out-of-state phone number.
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The link looks off or doesn’t match official RMV websites.
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There are grammar mistakes or odd formatting.
Trust your gut. If it seems sketchy, it probably is.
This Isn’t Just a Massachusetts Problem
AAA says these scams are popping up across the region—in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. It’s not just one isolated incident. It’s a bigger issue that relies on people not knowing what to look out for.
So even if you haven’t gotten one of these texts yet, it’s important to stay alert—and to warn your family and friends, especially older relatives who may not be as tech-savvy.
Don’t Fall for It—Spread the Word
The best defense is awareness. These scams thrive when people stay quiet about them. If someone you know mentions a strange traffic ticket text, let them know it’s fake. Help them report it. Talk about it.
No one wants to be the next victim, especially when the scam is this avoidable.
And remember:
The RMV doesn’t text about tickets. Period.
Bottom Line
This scam is all about fear and fast reactions. But a quick pause can make all the difference. Take a breath, check the facts, and never click on sketchy links.
AAA Northeast is working hard to keep people informed—but the message needs to keep spreading. If you get one of these texts, don’t panic. Just delete it, report it, and move on.
