MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The following article was published by FloridaBar.org, which stated that drivers should watch out for an email scam targeting Floridians. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the email falsely states drivers owe money for red-light citations.
The scam asks victims for prompt payment to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles via email to avoid extra fees. The emailed notice includes a hyperlink to a payment page and threatens recipients with recurring late fees and suspension of their driver's licenses.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles first warned Floridians about the scam Dec. 20 after hearing reports of the fake citations. The emails appear to come from "FL TrafficDiv" at the email address "citations@fltrafficgov.online." An example bogus email provided by the Department was sent Dec. 16 and listed the citation amount as $78 and threatened a $50 late fee for "every three days until citation balance is fully paid." It included a fake six-digit citation number and claimed the victim made an illegal right turn on a red light in Miami in November.
Department spokeswoman Beth Frady said the bogus emails include the department's logo, making them look more legitimate. In reality, the department does not email citations, and online payments are not required.
"If they have received this email, they need to either ignore it, or if they have responded and were a victim, they need to go ahead and refute the charges with their financial institution as well as put fraud alerts on their accounts," said Frady.
Those who receive the fake citations should contact the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or local clerks of court.