State warns of red light ticket scam

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is warning about a scam in which motorists receive emails about fictitious red-light citations.

The scam, which has been happening for a few weeks, includes victims being asked for prompt payment to avoid extra fees. The emailed notice includes a hyperlink to a payment page and threatens recipients with repeated late fees and suspension of their driver's licenses if payments are not sent.

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Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles spokeswoman Beth Frady said the bogus emails include the department's logo, making them look more legitimate. But she said the department does not email citations, and online payments are not required by the department.

"If they have received this email, they need to either ignore it, or if they have responded and were a victim, they need to go ahead and refute the charges with their financial institution as well as put fraud alerts on their accounts," Frady said.

Motorists who receive citations they think might be scams may contact the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or local clerks of court.