LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is warning Kentuckians about a text message scam designed to trick people into sharing personal and financial information.
The Sheriff’s Office says several individuals, including employees within the agency, have reported receiving messages claiming to be from “Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Offices.”
According to JCSO, the texts warn recipients about supposed “outstanding traffic infractions” and threaten license suspension, fines and credit consequences unless an immediate payment is made through a website link.
JCSO says the messages are fraudulent and are not sent by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The Sheriff’s Office says Kentucky does not send text messages demanding payment for traffic violations, and government agencies do not threaten immediate penalties through unsolicited texts. JCSO also says the phone number tied to the message originates outside the United States.
JCSO is urging people not to click any links, not to reply to the message and to delete the text. The agency also recommends reporting the scam to your mobile carrier and to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to share the warning with family, friends and co-workers, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.
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