BELLE — Residents in Maries County are being warned about a text message scam that falsely claims to come from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) and threatens drivers with penalties over an alleged unpaid traffic violation.

According to a notice shared March 12 by the Maries County Sheriff’s Office on its social media, the scam involves text messages telling recipients they owe money for a traffic violation and must pay immediately through a provided link. Authorities say the message is fraudulent and residents should not click the link or respond.

The text message typically begins with language such as, “Missouri Department of Revenue – FINAL NOTICE,” and claims it is a final warning about an unpaid traffic violation associated with the recipient’s vehicle. The message then attempts to pressure the recipient into paying by threatening additional fines and late fees, suspension of a driver’s license or vehicle registration, collections that could affect credit, or possible legal action.

The message contains several warning signs commonly associated with scams. These include urgent language designed to pressure the recipient into acting quickly, suspicious links that do not lead to official government websites, and instructions asking the recipient to reply with a letter such as “Y” in order to receive another payment link.

The sheriff’s office advises residents not to click on any links included in the message and not to reply. Instead, recipients should delete the text.

Anyone who is concerned about whether they may have a legitimate issue involving a traffic violation or fees should contact DOR directly through the agency’s official website or by phone rather than using links provided in unsolicited messages.

Authorities are encouraging residents to share the warning with friends and family so others in the community do not become victims of the scam.