How do I find out if I have any outstanding/unpaid tickets? I received a text threatening prosecution.

It is highly likely that the text message is a scam. Official government agencies typically notify you of outstanding fines or legal action through formal mailed letters, not unsolicited text messages, especially ones that threaten prosecution and immediate payment. Many states have issued warnings about these exact types of scams.

Do not click on any links in the text message or provide any personal/financial information in response to it.

Here is the safest and most reliable way to check for any legitimate outstanding tickets:

1. Identify the Issuing Jurisdiction

• Think back: Where and when do you remember receiving a traffic or parking ticket? You need to know the state and the specific city or county where the ticket would have been issued.
• Check your car: Look for any old parking or traffic tickets you may have forgotten about inside your car or records at home.

2. Contact the Official Court or Agency Directly

The most reliable way to check is to contact the official judicial or motor vehicle department in the relevant jurisdiction.

• Traffic Tickets (Moving Violations/Speeding):
  • Search online for the “[City/County Name] traffic court” or “[State Name] driver’s license status lookup.”
  • Look for an official government website (it will end in .gov or a state-specific equivalent) that allows you to search for citations using your driver’s license number, license plate number, or name and date of birth.
  • If you can’t find a reliable online portal, call the Clerk of the Court for that city or county. They can check their records for any outstanding case associated with your name.
• Parking Tickets:
  • Search online for the “[City Name] parking ticket payment” or “[City Name] Parking Violations Bureau.”
  • Use their official website or phone number to check your license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN).
• For your driver’s license status:
  • Search for your State’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Driver Services (DDS), or equivalent agency. Their official website often has a portal where you can securely check your license status, which would be affected by a Failure to Appear (FTA) or unpaid citation.

Crucially, only use phone numbers or websites you find through independent search of the official agency’s name, not any information provided in the suspicious text message.

By checking with official, verified sources, you can safely confirm if you have a legitimate unpaid obligation without falling victim to a scam. If you confirm there is no outstanding ticket, you can safely delete the text message.