CLARKSTON, WA — The Clarkston Police Department is warning residents about scam text messages falsely claiming to be from the Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles.

According to the department, the messages allege the recipient has an outstanding traffic ticket and threaten penalties if payment is not made. The texts reference a regulation code — often listed as “12C-16.003” or “15C-16.003” — which does not exist in the Washington Administrative Code.

Police say the messages are part of a nationwide “smishing” campaign designed to trick individuals into sending money or sharing personal information.

A similar warning has also been issued in Idaho, where transportation officials say scammers are sending texts claiming a vehicle registration is overdue or a citation must be paid online. Those messages are also fraudulent and not connected to any official DMV services.

Residents are advised not to respond to the messages, not to click any links, and not to pay any fees or fines associated with the texts. Anyone who receives one of these messages should delete it immediately.