The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) reminded the public on Mar. 17 to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages, following reports of scam texts claiming to be from HDOT or the “Department of Motor Vehicles” regarding unpaid traffic violations and holds on driver’s licenses.
This warning is important as scammers are targeting residents with fraudulent messages that could compromise personal and financial information. HDOT said that legitimate citations for red-light running or speed violations through safety camera systems are only sent by mail, not by text message. The department also advised that any citation requesting payment through a website other than https://etraffic.ehawaii.gov or https://www.violationinfo.com/ should be considered a scam.
HDOT recommends that anyone who has clicked on a suspicious link or entered financial information take immediate steps to protect themselves. The department provided a sample citation online for comparison and urged caution when receiving unexpected communications about traffic violations.
According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages facilities including multiple airports for domestic and international carriers, commercial harbors, and a statewide highway system according to the official website. The agency functions as part of the executive branch of the State of Hawaii government according to the official website and operates 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and 2,450 lane miles of highways across six major Hawaiian islands according to the official website.
The department aims to deliver a safe, efficient, accessible, and sustainable transportation system that supports mobility for people and goods while fostering economic growth and quality of life according to the official website. Its services extend across all six major Hawaiian islands according to the official website, working in collaboration with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Highway Administration, as well as county planning and public works departments according to the official website.
As scams continue to evolve in sophistication, HDOT’s reminder highlights ongoing efforts by state agencies to protect residents from fraud.