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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?
You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Caitlin Clark honored for massive career milestone before Fever fall in overtime thriller
Catilin Clark is just starting her third WNBA season, and she is already being honored for a big career achievement in a pregame ceremony.
Is that good? I think that’s good.
The Indiana Fever played host to the Washington Mystics on Friday night in a battle of two 1-1 teams through the early going of the season.
One of the big stories so far this season came in the Fever’s season opener against the Dallas Wings, when Clark scored her 1,000th career point.
She accomplished the feat in just 54 games, which made her the fastest player to reach 1,000+ points, 250+ assists and 250+ rebounds.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE
The previous mark belonged to WNBA legend Diana Taurasi, and she did it in 62 games.
So, before tip-off on Friday, the team recognized Clark’s accomplishment.
Clark didn’t wait long to keep adding to that career point and assist total of hers, feeding teammate and OutKick favorite Sophie Cunningham to extend an early Fever lead.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Clark wound up with 32 points on the night, along with seven assists and four rebounds. The biggest came with just one second on the clock when she drained a three-pointer to force overtime.
Clark simply has the clutch gene.
While Indiana was able to get this one to overtime, the Mystics managed to hang on to win 104-102 despite a late push from the Fever.
The Fever dropped to 1-2 on the year, and will be back in action on Sunday when they welcome the Seattle Storm to town.
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Route 66 centennial spurs tourism in historic small towns
As U.S. Route 66 turns 100 years old, travelers are searching for the brightest motels, most unique attractions and tastiest diners to celebrate its centennial.
The things Route 66 travelers seek today are the same ones that drew people out during the road’s heyday.
“[The] trucking industry increased like 700% between 1939 and 1964. In 1964, 80% of people vacationed by automobile,” Route 66 author, Jim Hinckley, told Fox News.
Historic Route 66 runs through dozens of towns — some have grown into larger cities, while others are now the bones of what once was.
ROUTE 66: AN AMERICAN CELEBRATION, ALONG WITH AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
“Think 1939, you’ve got a million cars coming through your town in a year. And after the war, that increases, and all of a sudden it’s like someone turned off the tap,” Hinckley said.
That vision becomes clear as travelers pass rundown businesses in dozens of small towns across the eight states.
During that stretch is the Texas town of Adrian, which is coined as the “geographical midpoint” of Route 66, according to Gary Daggett, president of the Old Route 66 Association of Texas.
“It’s the nostalgia, ya know, there’s so much of American history here at Route 66,” Daggett said.
ROUTE 66 HIGHLIGHTS COSMIC SITES ACROSS ARIZONA
Daggett is also the gift shop manager at Midpoint Café in Adrian, which is hard to miss as it is marked by a sign that soars to the skies.
The owner, Brenda Hammit Bradley, bought the café in 2018 and is still known for her endless pie flavors, like green Chile apple pie and Elvis, which is chocolate, peanut butter and banana.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that it’s not hard, because it’s a job, but it’s just fun, I get to meet awesome people,” Bradley told Fox News, adding that more than 70% of her customers come from overseas.
Bradley said The Midpoint Café inspired Flo’s V8 Restaurant in the Disney-Pixar movie Cars.
Just 15 minutes east, is Vega, Texas – a small country town with sprinkles of Route 66 memorabilia. One block off the historic route is Dot’s Mini Museum.
“Our town was bypassed by I-40, but you know, there are a lot of people who travel, who love to go into the town, meet the people, see the places,” said Keila Bain, Dot’s granddaughter.
Bain said her grandmother’s small museum of antiques is free to enter, and the door is never locked.
FOX’S STEVE DOOCY VISITS TULSA’S OUTSIDERS HOUSE MUSEUM
“The thing that’s mostly missing about Dot’s mini museum is Dot herself, because she was a lot of life and a lot of fun,” Bain said, adding that her grandmother inspired one of the characters in Cars, which allowed her to attend some movie events.
Although Dot is not around anymore, a guest book inside the small museum is filled with names from dozens of countries. These small books are in several Route 66 attractions around the town, tallying the thousands of people who stop by.
“From its inception, what it’s about is the people. It has always been about the people,” Hinckley said. “That’s what gives it that infectious magic and enthusiasm.”
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Waymo driverless cars overrun Atlanta neighborhood, circling cul-de-sacs and alarming families with kids
One Atlanta neighborhood has dealt with Waymo problems than they expected recently.
The Georgia city’s northwest Buckhead neighborhood has been overrun in the last couple of weeks by empty, driverless ride-share vehicles due to an apparent routing behavior issue.
“It’s almost every little cul-de-sac in our area, so I think it’s a problem,” a neighbor who lives on embattled Battleview Drive told WSB-TV.
Video taken of the rogue Waymos shows them incessantly circling through a cul-de-sac and multiple cars causing a backup on one street after a neighbor tried to block the cars from entering the cul-de-sac.
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“I think yesterday morning, we had 50 cars that came through between 6 and 7,” another neighbor told the station.
A third neighbor pointed out that the problem is more than just an irritation.
“We’re families, we have small animals and pets, got kids getting on the bus in the morning and it just doesn’t feel safe to have that traffic,” they said.
Waymo currently operates in 11 U.S. cities, including Atlanta.
The company admitted to Fox News Digital that Waymos are staged in areas of the city where they are frequently hailed from, but said that shouldn’t come at the expense of residents.
WAYMO UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION AFTER CHILD STRUCK
“At Waymo, we are committed to being good neighbors,” the company told FOx News Digital. “We take community feedback seriously and have already worked with our fleet partner to address this routing behavior. With over 500,000 weekly trips across the country, our service is proven to significantly reduce traffic injuries and improve road safety. We value our relationship with Atlanta residents and remain focused on providing a seamless, respectful, and safe experience for riders and residents alike.”
And the cul-de-sac quagmire isn’t the only issue Waymo has faced recently. This week, the company recalled nearly 4,000 of its vehicles due to a glitch where it may not stop before driving into “standing water,” and video obtained FOX 4 appeared to show a Waymo running a red light at a busy intersection in Dallas.
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated Waymo after vehicles were allegedly seen illegally passing stopped school buses in Austin, Texas.
And in January, a Waymo hit a student walking through a crosswalk near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. The car was driving at a low speed and the student wasn’t hurt.
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