Phoenix police are sounding the alarm about a wave of scam text messages hitting local phones, falsely claiming drivers owe money for traffic-camera or photo-radar violations. The texts typically include a link to a supposed payment page and crank up the pressure with warnings to pay fast to avoid penalties. Officers are telling residents not to click, not to pay, and definitely not to share any personal or financial information.
The City of Phoenix amplified the warning by retweeting an advisory from Phoenix Police. The scam texts claim to show a traffic-camera or photo-radar violation and may dangle a convenient payment link. The post urges people to treat these messages as fraud and withhold any identifying or financial details, according to the City of Phoenix.
How the Scam Works
These messages are a classic case of “smishing” — phishing via text — where scammers pose as government agencies to squeeze out quick payments. State agencies say to watch for red flags like clunky grammar, unfamiliar phone numbers, and any demand for immediate payment. Their advice: delete suspicious texts instead of clicking on links, according to ADOT.
Why Phoenix Drivers May Be Targeted
The timing is no coincidence. Phoenix recently restarted its Photo Safety Program and began issuing citations again after a 30-day warning period. The cameras were switched back on with a Feb. 23 warning window, and full enforcement kicked in March 25. Officials say that rollout has led to a wave of mailed notices and new signage, which scammers are now trying to copy, according to Photo Safety Cameras Return on Hoodline.
What to Do If You Get One
If a “ticket” text pops up on your phone, the guidance is simple: do not click any links, do not reply, and do not send money or personal details. Instead, delete the text, forward it to 7726 (SPAM), and report it to the Arizona Attorney General's Office or the FTC complaint portal. If you already clicked a link or paid, contact your bank or payment provider right away and consider filing a complaint through those agencies.
Unsure whether a notice is legitimate? Skip the link in the text and go straight to the source. You can contact the Phoenix Municipal Court or the city directly to verify a citation. The city's Photo Safety page spells out what official notices look like and how the program is being rolled out, per the City of Phoenix.
