ATLANTA, Ga. (WALB) — Georgia drivers are being warned about a text message scam claiming they owe traffic tickets or other fees.

The Georgia Department of Driver Services says the messages look official but are fake, and the links are designed to steal personal or financial information.

DDS Commissioner Angelique McLendon says employees will never text to request payment or confidential information. If a license is suspended or a status changes, DDS will send an official letter, not a text.

Anyone who receives one of these messages should not click the link, not reply, and delete it right away. Official DDS business involves driver licensing only, not vehicle registration, another red flag that these texts are scams.

Experts also remind people to watch for spelling errors, strange sender numbers, and urgent threats, all common signs of “smishing” attacks.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.