Arizona's Ministry of Communications' Scam Exposed: How to Dodge a Costly Text Trap

Arizona residents are being warned to beware of fake text messages from an invented 'Arizona Ministry of Communications' demanding payment or personal details.

The widespread smishing scam—where fraudsters masquerade as government bodies—has prompted an urgent alert from the Arizona Attorney General's office.

Fake Authority, Real Threat

In a press release dated 11 June 2025, Attorney General Kris Mayes cautioned that government agencies will never contact unsuspecting citizens via text, email, or social media asking for money or personal data. One of the scams involved texts from the bogus 'Arizona Ministry of Communications.' Other impersonated agencies include ADOT, USPS and Pima County Superior Court.

'These messages aim to pressure recipients into hasty action, such as clicking links to fake websites, handing over sensitive data or wiring money. Such tactics can lead to identity theft and financial loss.'

How the Scam Works

The scam operates through a technique known as smishing—a portmanteau of SMS and phishing—whereby fraudsters impersonate legitimate organisations via text message. In this case, the culprits fabricated an agency titled the 'Arizona Ministry of Communications', which does not exist.

Victims report receiving text messages from unfamiliar or international numbers, often beginning with country codes like +44 (UK) or +63 (Philippines). The messages typically carry an air of urgency, threatening fines, licence suspensions, or missed court appearances. Phrases like 'Final Enforcement Notice', 'Failure to respond will result in legal action', and 'Outstanding tolls detected' are commonly used to incite panic.

The texts often include a clickable link directing users to what appears to be an official-looking portal. These pages may display logos of real agencies—such as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) or state courts—but are, in fact, fraudulent. Once a recipient enters personal data such as Social Security numbers, driver's licence details, or credit card information, the data is harvested by the scammers.

More advanced variants of the scam deploy malware upon clicking the link, compromising devices and granting hackers access to personal files, banking apps, or communication platforms.

How to Protect Yourself

Protecting yourself from smishing scams requires a blend of awareness, verification, and preventive action. Here are key steps:

1. Know the Signs of a Scam

• Government bodies do not send payment requests or sensitive alerts via text.
• Be cautious of unfamiliar senders, especially those with international codes or alphanumeric IDs.
• Misspellings, odd grammar, and pressure tactics are common red flags.
• Requests for personal or financial information over text are highly suspicious.

2. Don't Interact

• Do not reply, even with 'STOP' or 'REMOVE.' This only confirms your number is active.
• Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.

3. Verify Independently

• If a message references a real agency like ADOT or court services, contact the organisation directly using official websites or known phone numbers.
• Search for the exact message online. Many scams are documented in consumer alert forums or government pages.

4. Block and Report

• On iPhone or Android, tap 'Report Junk' or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM)—a service used by most carriers to combat phishing.
• Block the sender in your device's settings.
• Report persistent scams to the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
• Alternatively, file a complaint to FTC.

5. Enhance Digital Defences

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on banking and email apps.
• Install a reputable mobile antivirus app that can detect malicious links or apps.
• Keep your phone's operating system and apps up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.

6. Educate Others

• Share scam awareness with family, especially elderly relatives who are common targets.
• Businesses should provide training to employees on how to recognise and report such threats.

Community Response

Local news outlets such as AzFamily and KGUN 9 News have aired investigative segments, highlighting visual examples of the scam and urging vigilance. The Tucson Sentinel reported similar warnings from ADOT regarding toll-related smishing.

Reddit commenters also shared experiences of unsolicited texts from international numbers demanding toll payments, with many users urging others to block and report them.

As Attorney General Mayes stresses, 'government agencies will never call, email, text, or message you out of the blue to ask for money or personal information.' Residents are urged to remain alert, and always verify suspicious messages through official channels.