NYC parking ticket and DMV texts — how to spot the fakes

After the toll texts, these are the next most common scams we see: “NYC Department of Finance: Your parking violation is overdue. Pay $2.50 now to avoid default.” Or “NYS DMV: Your license will be suspended for unpaid traffic violations.” Both are fake.

What the real agencies say

• NYC Department of Finance says it does not send unsolicited texts asking for payment, and that texts referencing “CityPay” payment are scams (NYC DOF). It has also warned about fake “notice of default” parking texts.
• The NYS DMV warned in 2025 that it does not text people asking for personal information and that fake fine and suspension texts are circulating (NYS DMV).
• The FTC issued a national alert about fake “overdue traffic ticket” texts in July 2025 (FTC).

How to check if you really owe something

• Parking and camera tickets: go to nyc.gov/finance yourself and search by plate. Don't use any link from a text.
• DMV: go to dmv.ny.gov yourself.
• Tolls: e-zpassny.com or tollsbymailny.com. Real E-ZPass NY texts come only from 39769. (More on toll texts)

Red flags

• A tiny amount ($1.50–$6) with a scary consequence (suspension, default, legal action).
• A link that's almost right: extra words, odd endings (.top, .xyz, .info), or a government name inside a longer address.
• The text asks you to reply before the link works.
• You don't own a car — or you weren't anywhere near where it says.

If you already paid or typed info

Follow our checklist: I clicked a link in a scam text — now what? Call your card issuer first. You can report DMV-themed phishing to dmv.sm.phishingattacks@dmv.ny.gov, forward the text to 7726, and file with ic3.gov if you lost money.

When to call a tech

We set up scam filtering on phones, lock down accounts after a click, and teach parents the three-second check. If a text looks off, screenshot it and send it to us before you tap.