If you have recently received a text or email from “WSDOT Good to Go” or the “Washington State Motor Vehicle Administration” claiming you have unpaid traffic tickets, please be aware that this is a wide spread phishing scam.
This scam has appeared to hit Washington, California, New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, y other states.
The message may look something like this:
The scammer wants you to believe they are from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The message demands money for unpaid traffic tickets, claims this is your final notice, and even threatens legal action. At first glance it may seem legitimate, however the scammers are just trying to get you to share your personal information.
Please DO NOT click any links or reply to the messages.
If you have any reason to believe you may have unpaid tickets, find your court’s contact info and call them directly.
What the scam message says:
Final notice from the Washington State Motor Vehicle Administration:
Law enforcement will begin on June 25. Our records show that as of today, you still have unpaid traffic tickets. Under Washington State Administrative Rule 15C-16.003, if you fail to make a payment by June 24, 2025, we will take the following actions:
- Report to the Motor Vehicle Administration’s illegal database
- Vehicle registration will be suspended from June 25, 2025
- Suspend driving privileges for 30 days
- Charge a 35% service fee at the toll station
- You may be sued and your credit score score will be affected
Pay Now:
[link removed for security]Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.
(Reply Y and re-open this message to click the link, or copy it to your browser.)
Please note: The messages may vary slightly, or come from different senders, but the ill-intent is the same.
Secure Your Data
WA state tolls are not collected via text. Do not click unfamiliar links sent from unknown numbers, and never enter personal or payment information on unverified websites.
Sometimes, simply clicking the link could install a virus.
It is best if you don’t respond, and delete the message.
If you did pay the spammy site, it might be difficult to get your money back, but your best bet would be to submit a report with your credit/debit card provider.
