Kootenai sheriff warns of text scam

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a scam text message currently being reported by multiple residents. 

The fraudulent message falsely claims to be from the Department of Vehicles and threatens enforcement actions, including license suspension and legal penalties, unless immediate payment is made for a supposed traffic violation. 

The text message reads in part: “Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on (a specific date) … If payment is not received, your registration and license will be suspended, and you may be prosecuted."

According to a press release, the message includes a link to a fake payment site designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. 

"This is a scam. Neither the DMV nor the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office sends traffic violation notices via unsolicited text messages, nor do they demand payment with threats of license suspension or legal action," the release said. 

Sheriff Bob Norris said scammers are becoming more sophisticated in how they target victims. 

"We urge residents to be cautious, especially when receiving messages that use fear or urgency to demand payment," Norris said. "If you ever have a question about a violation, call us or the DMV directly — never trust a link sent out of the blue.”

Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to this scam is encouraged to monitor their bank accounts and credit closely and report any fraud to local law enforcement, the release said.