Beware of text scam involving bogus unpaid traffic fines

Hawaiʻi State Judiciary warns the public about a scam that threatens drivers over nonexistent traffic citations.

People statewide are receiving alleged Department of Motor Vehicles text messages saying that unless payment is made for unpaid traffic citations, the recipient’s driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended, and they will be assessed an additional fee.

These texts are not from Department of Motor Vehicles or Judiciary. They are a scam.

If you receive one of these texts, do not click on the link in the text.

This is similar to another common scam in which fraudsters impersonated court staff to threaten people with arrest for failing to appear for jury duty. The scammers often spoof courthouse and law enforcement phone numbers and sometimes pose as law enforcement officers.

Note: You will not get texts, calls or emails about unpaid traffic citations from state courts or Department of Motor Vehicles unless you contacted them first either in person, in writing or by phone with a specific question.

Generally, all communication from the state Judiciary regarding unpaid citations is handled through U.S. mail.

Anyone unsure whether they have an unpaid traffic citation should search by first and last name, and also by license plate number, at eCourt Kokua, the the Judiciary’s public online case look-up system.

People issued citations can check the status of those citations by using the “case search” function in eCourt Kokua.

Important facts to remember

Hawaiʻi State Judiciary does not call, email or text to demand payment or personal information for court-related matters.

Official notices from courts are sent by U.S. mail, unless you contacted the Judiciary first with a specific question.

The courts will never:

• Ask for your Social Security number, credit/debit card details or bank account information via the phone or by email.
• Demand immediate payment using pre-paid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or online payment apps to avoid arrest or jail.

Anyone who questions the validity of a notice they receive in the mail can contact the Judiciary’s Traffic Violations Bureau in their respective circuit.

Contact numbers can be found on the Judiciary website.

Unpaid fines that are overdue are referred to Pioneer Credit Recovery for collection.

Call 1-866-802-0053 to check the validity of a letter from Pioneer Credit Recovery.