The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) warned on March 11 that residents should avoid clicking on links in unsolicited text messages claiming to be from the “Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles” regarding unpaid traffic violations or tolls.
This warning comes as several scam text messages have been reported, with scammers attempting to trick recipients into providing personal or financial information. The department said that legitimate citations for red-light running and speed violations through safety camera systems are sent by mail, not by text message. HDOT also noted that any citation requesting payment through a website other than https://etraffic.ehawaii.gov or https://www.violationinfo.com/ is fraudulent.
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 department functions as part of the executive branch of the State of Hawaii government according to the official website.
HDOT operates 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and maintains 2,450 lane miles of highways across all six major Hawaiian islands according to the official website. Its mission is 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.
The department extends its services and infrastructure throughout all six major Hawaiian islands according to the official website, collaborating with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Highway Administration, along with county planning and public works departments according to the official website.
HDOT recommends that anyone who has clicked on a suspicious link or entered financial information in response to these scam texts take appropriate steps to protect their information.