Get a 'sternly worded text warning' about parking? It may be a scam.

The issue seems to be on the rise as this month, officials have issued warnings about the scams in Indiana, Maryland and Michigan.

Scammers are at it again, texting Americans, hoping to trick them into giving up financial information under the guise of paying parking or toll fees, officials in multiple states have said this month.

In the messages, the scammers often identify themselves as Department of Transportation or Superior Court staff and tell the potential victims that “records indicate an unpaid traffic violation to your vehicle.” 

The messages include dates the department will take measures, such as suspending vehicle registration or charging fees if they don’t click a link and pay.

The issue seems to be on the rise in March, as officials have issued warnings about the scams in Indiana, Maryland, and Michigan.

The scams have been going on since at least 2024. The scammers often impersonate the toll service in the recipient’s state. For example, scammers after California residents have sent texts claiming to be from FastTrak, while scammers after New York residents claim to be from EZ Pass.