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Tennessee Drivers Hit by Sophisticated Text Message Scam Impersonating State DMV

Estill Springs, Tennessee — A wave of fraudulent text messages is sweeping across Tennessee, targeting unsuspecting drivers with fake notices about unpaid traffic violations and threatening immediate license suspensions.


The elaborate scheme has prompted urgent warnings from the Estill Springs Police Department, as scammers deploy increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal personal information and money from residents across the state.


How the Scam Works


The deceptive messages arrive without warning, claiming recipients owe money for traffic violations and face severe consequences if they don't pay immediately. The texts create a false sense of urgency by setting a deadline of June 7, 2025, with enforcement actions supposedly beginning the following day.


Criminals behind the operation have crafted messages that reference fabricated legal codes, including a fictitious North Tennessee State Administrative Code 15C-16.003, lending an air of official authority to their demands.


The scam threatens a cascade of penalties designed to panic recipients into quick action, including registration suspension, 30-day driving privilege suspension, reporting to a DMV violation database, hefty service fees, credit score damage, and potential prosecution.


Red Flags Everywhere


The scheme contains numerous warning signs that reveal its fraudulent nature. The suspicious link directs victims to tn.safety-govfn.icu/us, a web address that uses an unconventional .icu domain rather than the standard .gov extension reserved for legitimate government websites.



Screenshot released from the Estill Springs Police Department showing an example of the scam.
Screenshot released from the Estill Springs Police Department showing an example of the scam.


Even more telling, the scam operation uses an email address ending in @radiologist.net, which bears no resemblance to any official state communication channel.


The tactic represents classic phishing methodology, exploiting psychological pressure by combining fake authority with artificial time constraints to bypass victims' critical thinking.


Protecting Yourself


Law enforcement officials stress that recipients should never click suspicious links or respond to these messages. Instead, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert wireless carriers.


The Estill Springs Police Department urges residents to share this warning with others, especially older adults who are often targeted by such schemes.


Verification is Key


Authorities remind Tennessee residents that legitimate traffic violation notices come through official channels, typically by mail from verified government sources. Anyone questioning the validity of a traffic citation should contact their local DMV office directly or visit official .gov websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited text messages.


This latest scam represents part of a broader trend of criminals exploiting digital communication channels to impersonate government agencies and steal from law-abiding citizens. As these schemes become more sophisticated, vigilance and verification remain the best defenses against financial fraud.




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