Fake text messages pretending to be from the Hawaii DMV are hitting local phones, and falling for one can cost you real money.

• Scam texts claim you owe money for an unpaid traffic citation and push you to pay right away.
• The same trick shows up as fake court notices and messages posing as banks or other trusted names.
• Fear and urgency are the giveaway — they want you to act before you have time to think.
• Never respond, click links, or follow payment instructions; check the official website or call the agency yourself.
• Requests for passwords, security codes, gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto are always a scam.

Outlook: These imposter messages keep changing their cover story, so expect new versions and treat any out-of-the-blue demand for payment as fake until you verify it.