Scammers Flood Phoenix Drivers With Phony Photo Ticket Texts

Police warn residents to delete suspicious messages, avoid clicking links, and report scams to authorities.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:08pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked smartphone screen displaying a suspicious text message, captured with dramatic lighting and a stark, investigative aesthetic.A harsh, gritty image of the evidence at the heart of this smishing scam targeting Phoenix drivers.Phoenix Today

Phoenix police are alerting residents about a wave of scam text messages falsely claiming drivers owe money for traffic camera or photo radar violations. The texts typically include a link to a supposed payment page and threaten penalties if the 'fine' is not paid quickly. Authorities are urging people to treat these messages as fraud, delete them without clicking any links, and report the scams to the Arizona Attorney General's Office or the FTC.

Why it matters

This 'smishing' scam is taking advantage of the recent restart of Phoenix's Photo Safety Program, which began issuing citations again after a 30-day warning period. Scammers are trying to capitalize on the increased traffic enforcement and new signage to trick drivers into paying fake fines and handing over personal information.

The details

The scam texts claim to show a traffic camera or photo radar violation and provide a convenient payment link. However, authorities say these messages are fraudulent and part of a classic 'phishing via text' scheme where scammers pose as government agencies to pressure people into quick payments. Officials advise watching for red flags like poor grammar, unfamiliar phone numbers, and any demand for immediate action.

  • Phoenix's Photo Safety Program restarted on February 23 with a 30-day warning period.
  • Full enforcement of the program began on March 25.

The players

Phoenix Police Department

The local law enforcement agency warning residents about the scam text messages and providing guidance on how to identify and report them.

City of Phoenix

The local government agency that operates the Photo Safety Program and has amplified the police department's warnings about the scam texts.

Arizona Attorney General's Office

The state agency that residents can report the scam texts to.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The federal consumer protection agency that residents can also report the scam texts to.

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What they’re saying

“Do not click any links, do not reply, and do not send money or personal details. Instead, delete the text, forward it to 7726 (SPAM), and report it to the Arizona Attorney General's Office or the FTC complaint portal.”

— Phoenix Police Department

“The scam texts claim to show a traffic-camera or photo-radar violation and may dangle a convenient payment link. The post urges people to treat these messages as fraud and withhold any identifying or financial details.”

— City of Phoenix

What’s next

Residents who have already clicked a link or paid a fake fine should contact their bank or payment provider immediately and consider filing a complaint through the Arizona Attorney General's Office or the FTC.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the need for vigilance when receiving unsolicited messages claiming to be from government agencies. By deleting suspicious texts, avoiding links, and reporting scams, Phoenix drivers can protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent attempts to steal personal and financial information.