POLK COUNTY, Fla. –The Tax Collector’s Office for Polk County (TCPC) is alerting customers to be aware of a new text message scam in which the sender claims to be collecting fees from outstanding traffic tickets on behalf of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). 
Customers should never click these links sent via text message, as the DMV will never send a link for payments or request personal information in a link through an unsolicited text message. This text message is a scam! Recipients should not click the link. The fraudulent message reads as follows, or may be a variation of this text:
“Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 26. Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with Florida State Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you do not complete payment by May 25, 2025, we will take the following actions: 1. Report to the DMV violation database 2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting May 25 3. Suspend driving privileges for 30 days 4. Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee 5. You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected. Pay Now…Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.”
“These rip-off artists text you, making you think you have to pay now. They even provide you with a link in an attempt to steal your credit card. Just don’t do it!” Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder warns.
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) offers a driver license status check through its website. FLHSMV has also released an alert to this new text scam. Click here for more.