HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Continuous reports of text message scams have prompted a response from local and state law enforcement along with the state road department.
On March 23, the Hopkinsville Police Department shared that messages were being sent out to local residents claiming to be from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. The message solicits immediate payment for supposed outstanding traffic infractions, with a link included to submit payment.
Verbiage in the message threatens suspension of the “vehicle license” as well as suspending driving privileges for multiple days. HPD is encouraging people to delete the messages, not click any links or send a reply, and report the number as spam.
KYTC and Kentucky State Police respond
“Reports received today are part of a broader trend observed recently, with multiple complaints involving similar scam messages,” said a news release from Kentucky State Police. “These include attempts to impersonate Amazon, the Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety and other reputable organizations.”
Kentucky State Police is warning of a similar scam where the messages claim to be from KSP. In a news release, they reminded the public that they do not contact individuals through text message, and communications requesting payment through text should be considered suspicious.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has also issued a news release in response to the scams, similarly sharing that they do not collect traffic ticket fees or notify people of violations using text messages. It is also important to note that KYTC does not refer to their organization as “KDOT” or “DMV” in official communications.
People should contact their bank if they have clicked on the link and submitted payment. For more on how to report a scam, please visit the Team Kentucky Stop Scams website.
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