Florida has become a hotspot for scammers using increasingly sophisticated tricks to steal money and personal information. From fake DMV text alerts to government impersonators demanding bogus fines, these scams are targeting residents across the state with alarming frequency. Whether you’re a driver, healthcare worker, or simply paying your utility bill, no one is immune.
In this article, we break down the five latest scams sweeping through Florida—and what you can do to spot and avoid them before it’s too late.
1. “DMV Deadline” Toll & Ticket Text Scams
Florida drivers are being bombarded with texts claiming they owe unpaid toll or traffic ticket fines—and that their license or registration is at risk if they don’t pay up now via a link. These are not legitimate FL DMV communications—they never send payment-linked texts. Scammers impersonate state DMVs, often using urgent, legal-sounding threats. Last month, the FTC reported Americans lost $470 million to text scams, with toll/ticket alerts among the most frequent.
Watch for:
- Texts demanding immediate payment with “Pay Now” or “Pay Toll” links
- Website URLs that mimic official government domains or use “.gov” in misleading ways (time.com)
- Messages from unknown numbers
Protect yourself by:
- Never clicking links or replying
- Calling FL DMV directly or checking your account on their official website
- Forwarding scam texts to 7726 (“SPAM”) and reporting them to the FTC
2. “Shortcut” REAL ID Phishing Schemes
Ahead of the REAL ID deadline (May 7, 2025), there has been a surge in bogus online services promising expedited processing. These fake sites and texts collect personal and financial information for identity theft.
Warning signs:
- Ads or posts offering quick REAL ID for a fee
- Emails or SMS with urgent language like “apply before deadline!”
- Sites with unofficial URLs or poor security (no “https://”)
Stay safe by:
- Using only official government portals (e.g., TSA, DHS)
- Avoiding any third-party services offering shortcuts for a fee
3. Utility Bill Scare Scams
Florida customers are receiving phone calls, emails, and texts falsely claiming their electric or water service will be shut off unless they pay immediately. These messages often link to fake payment portals.
How they work:
- Calls with automated messages or live operators demanding payment
- Emails/texts urging payment to avoid disconnection
- Links that appear legitimate but lead to phishing sites
Be aware:
- Local utility providers typically follow a formal notice process—not threats via text or calls
- Always check your account via the company’s official website
- Report suspicious messages to your service provider
4. Healthcare Licensing Fraud Alerts
Professionals licensed by the Florida Department of Health, such as podiatrists, are being targeted with calls and emails instructing them to pay fees to avoid license suspension. These scam messages impersonate official agencies.
Red flags include:
- Unsolicited calls demanding immediate payments or personal info
- Emails requesting fees or legal documentation
- Pressure tactics like “call now or license revoked”
How to handle it:
- Contact your licensing board directly using official contact info
- Do not give out personal or financial data
- Report phishing to the Department of Health’s Medical Quality Assurance division
5. Government Impersonator Texts & Calls
Broad-reaching scams mimic agencies like the IRS or FTC, or use “agents” who threaten fines, audits, or arrests for failure to pay or comply. These are increasingly sophisticated, and often use fake badges or IDs.
Typical tactics:
- Spam calls/texts claiming to be from federal agencies
- Demands for immediate payment, gift cards, or wire transfers
- Scammers posing as FTC agents with fake badge numbers
Best practices:
- Government agencies will never demand gift cards or payment via phone/text
- Don’t call back numbers listed in texts; search official websites instead
- Forward suspicious texts to 7726 and report calls to the FTC
General Safety Tips to Outsmart All Scams
- Stop: Don’t click links, call numbers, or reply
- Think: Urgency = scam trigger
- Verify: Contact the official company or agency directly
- Report: Use 7726 (SPAM) for texts; file at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Educate: Share info with seniors or less tech-savvy loved ones
These scams thrive on pressure and panic, but awareness is your best defense. If a message tells you to act right now or face dire consequences—pause, investigate, and report.