Burns warns residents of PennDOT text scam
Reminds residents to remain vigilant when receiving suspicious messages
Rep. Frank Burns March 20, 2026 | 9:33 AM
JOHNSTOWN, March 20 — State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is warning residents about a new text scam that purports to be from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and falsely claims that the recipient has unpaid traffic violations that must be resolved.
The message will typically add that not paying could result in additional fines or suspended driving privileges. This is not true, and PennDOT will never send a text about traffic violations or fines, Burns said.
“Do not respond to this message if you get it, and definitely do not click on any links,” Burns said. “You can also report it to authorities and to your carrier. I don’t want these scammers getting access to any of your hard-earned funds.”
Anyone receiving this text can call local police, contact the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov, or contact the Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555.
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“Do not respond to this message if you get it, and definitely do not click on any links.” – Rep. Burns
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Burns urged residents to stay vigilant whenever receiving a suspicious text, call, or email and to remember these tips:
- Beware of texts, calls, or emails asking for personal or financial information.
- Remember that scammers often use AI to impersonate family members in distress.
- Scammers often pressure you to act immediately and threaten legal consequences if you don’t.
- Beware of links or attachments from unexpected sources.
- Verify anything by contacting the organization through their official contact information.
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