Residents warned about scam involving bogus unpaid traffic citations

The Maui Police Department and the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary are warning the community about the latest scam involving bogus unpaid traffic citations.

According to the Judiciary, people statewide are receiving text messages alleging to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The texts say that unless payment is made for unpaid traffic citations, the recipients driving privileges and vehicle registration will be suspended, they will be assessed a “service fee,” and their credit score will be affected.

“Please know, you will not get texts, calls, or emails about unpaid traffic citations from the state courts or DMV unless you contacted them first either in person, in writing or via phone with a specific question. Generally, all communication from the Judiciary regarding unpaid citations is handled through the US mail,” according to a department news release.

Anyone unsure whether they have an unpaid traffic citation should search by first and last name and also by license plate number in eCourt Kokua, the Judiciaryʻs public online case look-up system. People who have been issued citations can check the status of those citations by using the “case search” function in eCourt Kokua.

The Maui Police Department also reminds the public that: “No law enforcement or government agency will attempt to ‘clear up’ warrants or other legal sanctions over the phone, via text, email, etc., nor will they ever request your financial information to do so over the phone.”