If you’ve received a text message citing Administrative Code 15C‑16.003 and threatening you with penalties over an unpaid traffic ticket or DMV fine, you’re not alone. These scam texts—a type of phishing known as smishing—are spreading across states and targeting drivers by pretending to be official government communications. The goal is to trick you into clicking on a fraudulent link and handing over personal or financial information.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how these scam texts work, why “15C‑16.003” keeps showing up, how to spot the fraud, and what to do if you receive one.
What Are Administrative Code 15C‑16.003 Scam Texts?
Administrative Code 15C‑16.003 scam texts are SMS messages that claim to come from a government motor vehicle agency—the DMV, Department of Motor Vehicles, or equivalent—and state that you have an unpaid ticket or violation that must be paid immediately to avoid penalties. These penalties are often described as:
- License suspension
- Vehicle registration suspension
- Credit score impact
- Legal or enforcement action
To make the message seem “official,” scammers include a reference to Administrative Code 15C‑16.003, but this citation does not exist in the way the text implies. Authorities in multiple states have specifically warned that there is no valid Administrative Code 15C‑16.003 related to traffic tickets or DMV enforcement.
Why Scammers Use Administrative Code 15C‑16.003
Scammers use this made‑up code as credibility bait. Including a legal‑sounding citation makes an unsolicited text message look more official and can pressure recipients into acting without thinking. In reality:
- The code is not part of an official traffic or vehicle administrative code in most states.
- Multiple state agencies have confirmed that texts citing it are fraudulent and not sent by them.
This fake code has become a common marker of this specific scam because it is reused in different versions of the message across states.
How the Scam Works
These scam texts follow a predictable pattern:
- You receive a text message that looks like it’s from a DMV or similar agency.
- The text claims you have an outstanding traffic ticket and must pay or respond immediately.
- It includes the fake legal reference “Administrative Code 15C‑16.003.”
- A link is provided to pay the outstanding amount.
- If you click the link and enter your information, it is captured by the scammers.
The link often goes to a fake payment portal designed to steal:
- Full name
- Address
- Credit card or banking details
- Vehicle or driver’s license information
Once scammers have this data, they can commit identity theft, run unauthorized charges, or sell your information on illicit markets.
Real Examples and Official Warnings
Various state agencies and authorities have issued alerts about this scam text pattern:
- The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) warns that texts citing Administrative Code 15C‑16.003 are fake and should be deleted immediately. You can verify your driving record at the official DDS portal: https://dds.drives.ga.gov/
- The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has stated it will never demand payment via text message and officials urge people to ignore these scam texts.
- Similar warnings have been issued by other agencies and sheriff’s offices noting that these texts are not legitimate notifications from government departments.
For a broader consumer warning about DMV impersonation scams, you can also see the Better Business Bureau (BBB) guidance on how to avoid text message phishing scams: https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer/scam/dmv-text-message-phishing-scam
Common Characteristics of the Scam Texts
These messages often include the following red flags:
- Urgent or threatening language (“Final Notice”, “Enforcement penalties begin soon”)
- A link to a suspicious or unofficial website
- A threat that your license or registration will be suspended
- A request to pay a “past due fee” immediately
- A fabricated legal reference like 15C‑16.003
Government agencies do not send traffic citations or fine notices via unsolicited text messages that require immediate payment through a link.
How to Spot and Avoid These Scam Texts
Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Don’t click the link. If you’re not expecting a message from a government agency and it includes a payment link, it’s likely a scam.
2. Don’t reply or send personal information. Legitimate agencies don’t request sensitive data via SMS.
3. Delete the text. This prevents accidental interaction later.
4. Verify with official sources. If you think you might have an actual ticket or violation, go directly to the agency’s official website (don’t follow links in texts). For example, check your status through Georgia DDS or your local DMV’s official site rather than responding to a message.
5. Report the scam. You can report phishing and SMS scams to agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ and to your mobile carrier by forwarding the message to 7726 (SPAM).
Why This Matters
Smishing scams are designed to exploit fear and urgency to trick you into acting without checking the facts. Once someone enters their personal or financial information into a fraudulent site, it can lead to identity theft, unauthorized charges, and long‑term financial harm.
Staying informed and cautious can protect you from falling victim to these scams.
Final Thoughts
“Administrative Code 15C‑16.003 scam texts” are not official government notices—they are part of a growing smishing campaign that aims to steal your information. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing that agencies will never demand payments through unsolicited text messages, you can protect yourself and your family from fraud.
If you’re ever unsure whether a message is real, verify directly through official agency channels instead of through the links or contact information provided in the suspicious text.
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