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News DON’T Click it…if it’s about a “ticket”

By Iowa Department Of Transportation · July 11, 2026, 1:59 am

FRAUDULENT PHONE CALL-TEXT-EMAIL SCAMS are targeting Iowans! First it was texting and calling you about fake unpaid traffic tickets. Now, Iowans are also getting fake court orders with neighboring state information. Scambags!

Remember – the Iowa DOT does not send out fee collection reminders via text, and will never text or call customers asking for private or financial information. If you receive a text message or call:

* DO NOT share personal financial information with anyone on the phone.

* Take note of the name and phone number the scammer gives you and call it to let the person know they're being impersonated.

* DO NOT click on any links or provide personal or credit card information.

* 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).

Learn what to do if you're a victim of a scam: https://iowadot.gov/news/2026-03-27/fraudulent-text-messages-target-recipients-false-claims-unpaid-tolls-or-traffic-violations

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