Ames, Iowa – June 3, 2025 – The Iowa Department of Transportation is warning consumers of recent text scams that are occurring in Iowa and across the country. Fraudulent text messages appearing to come from the Iowa DOT or “DMV” are targeting recipients with false claims of unpaid traffic violations. Individuals are also receiving fraudulent Iowa DOT-generated text messages stating that they have an unpaid toll or registration fee. Both types of texts ask recipients to click on a link to provide personal information as well as credit card numbers. Many times, the link will lead to a website that looks like the Iowa DOT’s website.
These texts are not generated from the Iowa DOT and individuals should not click on live links within the text messages or paste those links into a browser, nor provide personal details.
The Iowa DOT does not send out fee collection reminders via text, and will never text customers asking for private or financial information. Any payment requests from the Iowa DOT are made through personal transaction, via physical mail, or through an online transaction initiated by the customer. In addition, the Iowa DOT does not collect tolls on any of their roads or bridges.
Iowa DOT Bureau of Investigation and Identity Director Ryan Ridout helps identify false claims and explains how to safely navigate text scams:
Transportation departments nationwide are reporting similar scams.
If you receive a phishing text:
- Don’t click on any live links or paste links into a browser, nor respond to unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
- Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text.
Some government agencies do use text messaging to contact customers. However, no government agency should direct you to share confidential or financial information through a text. In Iowa, you might set up a Driver License appointment and receive a confirmation text, but you will always log into an Iowa DOT system with a username and password, not with a simple link.
If you feel that you are a victim of a text scam:
- Consider filing a police report with the local law enforcement agency where you reside.
- Speak to AARP’s Fraud Watch Helpline and find Fraud Victim Support Groups (all ages accepted)
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (link to https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?orgcode=IADOT) and/or the IC3 at www.ic3.gov.
- Request a free credit report and research identity theft prevention: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
For customer questions about your Iowa Motor Vehicle Division record, please contact driver.services@iowadot.us or call 515-244-8725.
For media inquiries regarding these text scams, please contact Ryan Ridout, Iowa DOT Bureau of Investigation and Identity Director at 515-237-3260 or ryan.ridout@iowadot.us.