The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and local officials are warning residents about a fraudulent text message scam falsely claiming to be from the Louisiana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The text, which has resurfaced this morning, falsely states that recipients have unpaid traffic tickets and threatens enforcement penalties beginning June 29.

The message reads in part:
“Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 29… Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket… Pay Now: https://expresslane.sim-lyj.loan/pay”

This is a scam. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) does not send payment demands via text message, nor does it threaten license suspension or legal action through unsolicited digital communication.

DO NOT:
Click any links included in the message
Provide any personal or financial information
Respond to the text in any way

DO:
Delete the message immediately
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Visit http://www.expresslane.org for official Louisiana OMV information

Residents who may have interacted with the scam link or entered sensitive information should contact their financial institution immediately and monitor their accounts for suspicious activity.