Two text scams causing worry

Nez Perce County officials are addressing concerns over two text scams, one threatening to suspend driving privileges for unpaid traffic fines and another related to REAL ID. At least 50 inquiries have been made at the courthouse regarding the fines threat. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) clarified that they never send texts about unpaid tickets or demand immediate payments, emphasizing that legitimate communication will not involve threats or links to unfamiliar websites. ITD spokesperson Britt Rosenthal noted that scammers often aim to extract money, highlighting a previous toll scam that affected residents despite Idaho lacking tolls. Citizens are advised to report any scam texts to their mobile carriers and delete them to avoid potential harm.

The ITD has not reported any financial losses from the current scams but remains vigilant. Residents can verify their driver’s license status or traffic violations by visiting the DMV website. Awareness of these scams is crucial as they can lead to financial exploitation.