Texas officials are warning drivers about a text message scam claiming to be from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

In an email to The Dallas Morning News, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles said it does not send unsolicited text messages about alleged violations or collect fines for toll or traffic offenses. The agency is not a law enforcement entity and does not issue penalties.

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The warning comes as drivers in Texas and across the country report receiving messages alleging unpaid traffic tickets, toll violations or other infractions, including the states of Michigan, Alabama, Rhode Island and North Carolina, among others.

The messages often threaten consequences such as prosecution, suspension of vehicle registration or loss of driving privileges if payment is not made immediately.

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The texts typically include a link directing recipients to submit payment. Officials say the links are used to collect personal and financial information.

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“The issue has affected multiple states for more than a year,” said Creighton Root, a spokesperson from TxDMV.

The Texarkana Police Department alerted residents on Thursday to these messages circulating on mobile devices.

In a Facebook post, the department said the texts may include complex or unusual language and urgent warnings intended to prompt immediate action.

Authorities advise residents not to click on links or respond to the messages.

Anyone who receives a suspicious text should delete it and report it to federal authorities, including the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

“These scams are designed to steal personal and financial information,” Root said.

If you receive a suspicious message:

Do not click any links.Do not reply or share personal information.Report the message to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov (English) / https://reportefraude.ftc.gov/ (Spanish).Man accused of posing as attorney to scam jail inmates’ families, officials sayNorth Texas agencies warn of jury duty scam calls impersonating police