Update SDTA’s Mailing Address
Pictured L to R: Tom Murphy (K&J Trucking), Jon Gillam (Floyd’s Truck Center), Gene Williams (Trimac), Christine Vinatieri-Erickson (SDADA), Dan Mills (North American Truck and Trailer), Ryan Viessman (Cliff Viessman, Inc.) and Justin Anders (Anders Trucking).
Moving
3801 S. Kiwanis Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Thank you for your attention to this change.
SDTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Justin Anders Chairman
Tom Murphy
Vice Chairman
Ryan Viessman
Treasurer
Jim Maciejewski
Secretary
Bob Willey
Past Chairman
Vacant
ATA Vice President
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson President
SDTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Phillip Christian
Nick Cleveringa
Shanna Gray
Pete Halverson
Eric Hamiel
Steve Hoffman
Larry Klaahsen
Tim Kotalik
Justin Larson
Matt Parker
Dan Schipper
Ben Sternhagen
Gene Williams
SDTA SERVICES BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Maciejewski Chairman
Brad Schipper
Membership Retention Director
Todd Johnson
Public Relations Director
Rick Underwood
Membership Services Director
Cindy Heiberger
Group Insurance Director
MESSAGE FROM THE Chairman
Greetings everyone! Summer is officially upon us. The weather will soon turn hot, which I think all of us would like our industry to do as well. We recently had our annual Call on Washington where we had a good turnout for the Trucking Association. Ryan Viessman, Tom Murphy, Gene Williams, Jon Gillam, Dan Mills, Christine, and myself were able to attend. We also partnered up with the Heavy Truck Dealers to try and help make more of an impact with our legislators this year. We arrived on Tuesday, June 3rd, and were able to meet with ATA and go over their priority legislation for the 119th Congress. A couple of things on their agenda are dealing with workforce development, crime targeting trucking, and truck parking. The following day we were able to meet with all three of our legislators. In the morning, we met with Dusty Johnson, then after lunch, we were able to talk to John Thune, and at the end of the day, we got to speak with Mike Rounds. One of the main priorities we conveyed to each of them was working on reducing or getting rid of the FET tax on our trucks, trailers, and tires. The SDTA would like to thank each of them for their time and meeting with us considering their chaotic schedules. Only time will tell if we were able to make an impact. Until next time have a great summer!
Safe travels,
Justin Anders Anders Trucking dispatch@anderstrucking.com
Event Registration: $125
SDTA STAFF
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson President christine@southdakotatrucking.com
Michelle Wells Member Manager michelle@southdakotatrucking.com
Patty Hinz Office Manager/Graphic Designer patty@southdakotatrucking.com
Ian Hansen Communications & Marketing Specialist ian@southdakotatrucking.com
Scott Johnson Controller accounting@southdakotatrucking.com
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 3801 S. Kiwanis Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Office: (605) 334-8871
Email: info@southdakotatrucking.com Website: southdakotatrucking.com
MESSAGE FROM THE President
Christine’s Corner
The heat has arrived—both in temperature and in Washington, D.C.
The recent signing of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions marked a major win for our industry. While it’s unfortunate that these policies ever needed to be repealed, their reversal allows us to move forward and refocus on progress.
In early June, members of the SDADA Heavy Truck Dealers joined forces with SDTA for a joint fly-in organized by the American Truck Dealers (ATD), a division of NADA. This collaboration was a first—and it made perfect sense. We often advocate for the same issues, so combining our efforts saved time, resources, and created a stronger unified voice. During the visit, we were fortunate to meet with all three members of South Dakota’s Congressional Delegation: Senator John Thune, Senator Mike Rounds, and Representative Dusty Johnson. Our conversations centered around key issues affecting both heavy truck dealers and the trucking industry as a whole, including the Federal Excise Tax (FET), workforce shortages, and overly burdensome regulations. As I say nearly every year, we’re lucky to have a delegation that understands and supports the challenges we face.
For now, I’m looking forward to a couple of months without flights—my recent travel track record hasn’t been the best!
Onward,
Christine Vinatieri-Erickson
AndrewHanson
Andrew Hanson, Rude Transportation Inc., Sioux Falls, SD, was selected as the June 2025 Driver of the Month by the South Dakota Safety Management Council.
Andrew has been a driver with Rude Transportation since February 2022, making daily trips to Minneapolis, MN. He always comes to work with a positive attitude and maintains a professional demeanor with customers. Andrew has logged over 1.5 million accident-free miles, including 400,500 miles with Rude Transportation. He consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that his job is completed effectively. As a top performer, he requires minimal assistance with his routes, making him a reliable team member.
Andrew has participated in the Truck Driving Championships (TDCs) at least five times and has even stepped outside his comfort zone by joining the twins division, despite his limited experience with doubles.
The South Dakota Trucking Association joins the Safety Management Council in congratulating Andrew Hanson for being selected as the June 2025 Driver of the Month.
We offer high-quality, low-cost CDL training options in the South Dakota region that are available online from any device. Our curriculum is fully compliant with the current FMCSA ELDT Training standards, and we are a member in good standing of the Training Provider Registry as a Theory provider.
To learn about our fully-online, FMCSA-compliant
office at 605-334-8871 or go to www.southdakotatrucking.com
JULY 10, 2025
SDTA East River Golf Event
9:00 a.m.
Brandon Golf Course Brandon, SD
AUGUST 20-23, 2025
National Truck Driving Championships Minneapolis, MN
SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2025
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
SEPTEMBER 16-18, 2025
SDTA 90th Annual Convention Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort Larchwood, IA
NOVEMBER 13, 2025
SDTA & SDADA Annual Pheasant Hunt
8:00 a.m.
Meet at Hutch’s Cafe Presho, SD
NOVEMBER 14, 2025
SDTA Fall Executive Committee Meeting
8:00 a.m.
AmericInn Fort Pierre, SD
NOVEMBER 14, 2025
SDTA Fall Board of Directors Meeting 10:00 a.m.
AmericInn Fort Pierre, SD
DECEMBER 4, 2025
West River Legislative Reception
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Hyatt Place Rapid City, SD
DECEMBER 11 , 2025
East River Legislative Reception
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Minervas | Lower Level Sioux Falls, SD
FEBRUARY 9, 2026
SDTA/SDADA Joint Executive Committee Meeting
4:00 p.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
FEBRUARY 9, 2026
SDTA/SDADA Annual Legislative Reception
6:00 p.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
SDTA Winter Executive Committee Meeting 10:00 a.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
FEBRUARY 10, 2026
SDTA Winter Board of Directors Meeting
12:30 p.m.
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center Pierre, SD
MAY 7, 2026
SDTA Spring/Summer Executive Committee Meeting
10:00 a.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 7, 2026
SDTA Spring/Summer Board of Directors Meeting
1:00 p.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 7, 2026
Social Hour, Dinner and Calcutta for the Annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event
6:00 p.m.
AmericInn Chamberlain, SD
MAY 8, 2026
Annual Cliff Tjaden Fishing Event 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
MAY 16, 2026
SD Truck Driving Championships
7:00 a.m.
Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD
JULY 9, 2026
SDTA East River Golf Event
9:00 a.m.
Brandon Golf Course Brandon, SD
JUSTIN LARSON (605) 224-1611
PIERRE, SD
KURT SWANSON (605) 224-1611
PIERRE, SD
TACHA ARTZ (605) 737-7865
RAPID CITY, SD
JORDAN GAU (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD
GREG BALDWIN (605) 336-2795 SIOUX FALLS, SD
WE KNOW TRANSPORTATION
NICK BACKLUND (605) 996-4698
MITCHELL, SD
RUSS STOUGH (605) 336-4444
SIOUX FALLS, SD
Acrisure Truck Group consultants are experts in the coverage of all size trucks and farm equipment, so we know the risks and liabilities to make sure you are fully covered. We have four locations in South Dakota to serve you and your truck insurance needs—Pierre, Mitchell, Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
South Dakota Trucking Association’s Road Team Captains Hit The Road Running
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
The South Dakota Road Team Captains—Mike Whitehead, Jeremy Senger, Gary Schmidt, and Jeff Eschen—have launched an exciting summer filled with outreach events across the Midwest.
Our mission is vital: we aim to educate the public on the importance of safely sharing the road with trucks. These dedicated Captains have invested countless hours engaging with driver education classes, as showcased in the images below. Beyond that, we actively connect with various groups to inspire future careers in the trucking industry. Captain Schmidt, for instance, finds immense joy in sharing his knowledge with preschoolers, igniting their enthusiasm for the industry from a young age. Similarly, Captain Whitehead, who has dreamed of being a truck driver since childhood, passionately conveys that love for trucking during every presentation. Together, we are building a safer and more informed community on the roads.
If you know of a group that would benefit from a presentation, contact Michelle Wells at the SDTA office at 605-334-8871 or michelle@southdakotatrucking.com.
Perspective: ATD Drives Concerns Directly to D.C.
Practical Laws Benefit Truck Dealers as Group Celebrates Legislative Wins
Scott Pearson | Chairman, American Truck Dealers
Earlier this month, nearly 100 representatives of medium- and heavy-duty truck dealers from across the country gathered in Washington for the annual American Truck Dealers Legislative Fly-In. Attendees met with lawmakers and advocated for common-sense federal policies that support the trucking industry. ATD’s message to lawmakers was clear: Any legislation coming out of Washington must be practical and feasible.
While trucking faces several challenges, there was one significant reason to celebrate. Last month, both chambers of Congress passed legislation that overturns California’s unworkable Advanced Clean Trucks rule, which seeks to eventually ban the sale of new diesel trucks in certain states, and the costly Omnibus low nitrogen oxides rule. This vote represented a tremendous victory for America’s truck dealers and their customers. Our cause for celebration was further enhanced when President Donald Trump recently signed these important resolutions into law.
For years, America’s truck dealers have sounded the alarm about the California EV truck sales mandate. California truck dealers have already experienced, on average, a 50% reduction in 2024 diesel truck sales versus 2023 due to truck rationing and the lack of a zero-emission vehicle truck market. Truck dealers in California and other states were already unable to meet their customers’ truck purchase needs. With Trump signing the resolutions, truck dealers in states that adhere to standards like the ones promulgated by the California Air Resources Board will be able to work closely with their customers to provide them with the best trucks to support their operations, while more work in California is required.
Other challenges persist. The Environmental Protection Agency under the Biden administration issued its “GHG
Phase 3” rule last year, which mandates that truck manufacturers increase the percentage of ZEVs they sell each year. With America lacking a national commercial vehicle charging and alternative fuel network, the adoption of heavy-duty ZEV rules is impractical. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-Ohio) and Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) have introduced H.R. 2814 and S. 711 to repeal the EPA’s Phase 3 rule to stop the partial banning of diesel trucks and restore national greenhouse gas and emissions standards that align with achievable technological development schedules. ATD members are rallying support behind these common-sense bills and are urging their congressional representatives to co-sponsor these bills.
Another continued top priority is the repeal of the federal excise tax. The century-old 12% FET is the highest excise tax, on a percentage basis, that Congress levies on a product, which increases costs by more than $20,000 for new heavy-duty diesel trucks and over $50,000 for electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks. Repeal of the FET would immediately accelerate fleet turnover, resulting in significant safety and environmental benefits.
America’s truck dealers have a voice — and it’s a strong one. However, our work is not yet done. The trucking industry is what moves America’s economy — but first we need sensible regulation and reasonable taxation.
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
2025 Wheel Jam Truck Show CELEBRATING TRUCKS AND FAMILY FUN AT THE 2025
Michelle Wells | Member Manager | SDTA
The 2025 Wheel Jam Truck Show was an exhilarating event held in Huron, SD, from June 5th-8th. The fairgrounds came alive with an impressive display of semi tractor-trailers, classic cars, and motorcycles, captivating enthusiasts and families alike. This vibrant showcase not only highlighted the beauty and power of these vehicles but also fostered a sense of community among attendees.
The event was exciting for all ages! Families enjoyed lively bouncy houses and colorful face painting for the kids, while food enthusiasts savored the intense competition of chili and BBQ cook-offs. The festivities included a light show, dynamic engine brake competition, stock car races, a Junior Achievement bean bag tournament, a Harley stunt show, a classic car
and motorcycle display, and, of course, the truck show. With something for everyone, the Wheel Jam Truck Show was truly an unforgettable experience!
Michelle Wells proudly represented the SDTA by engaging with attendees at the SDTA booth on Friday and Saturday, passionately promoting membership. It’s truly inspiring to reconnect with both active and retired SDTA members who join us for this event. We feel incredibly grateful to be a part of this year after year, and we invite more to join.
It truly takes a community to bring an event like this to life. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved—your collaboration and dedication are what make this possible. Together, we create something extraordinary!
SDTA MEMBER AWARD WINNERS
Stan’s Inc, Alpena 1974-1984 BOBTAIL - 2ND PLACE
Ward Denning, Chancellor 1985-1996 BOBTAIL - 1ST PLACE
Premium Best Transort, Yankton 1997-2007 BOBTAIL - 2ND PLACE
of
PJ Brink Trucking, Garretson BEST FLEET TRACTOR TRAILER - 1ST PLACE
Joe Bertus Trucking, Avon 2016-2020 TRACTOR/TRAILER - 2ND PLACE
Continued on Page 18.
Peterbilt
Sioux Falls SHOW TRUCK / LIMITED MILEAGE BOBTAIL - 2ND PLACE
2021-2025 TRACTOR/TRAILER - 1ST PLACE
NEW TRUCK 2026 - 1ST PLACE
BEST POLISHED BOBTAIL/ TRACTOR TRAILER1ST PLACE
SHOW‑N‑SHINE AWARDS
PJ Brink Trucking, Garretson BEST FLATBED TRACTOR TRAILER - 1ST PLACE
Habeck Trucking, Inc./ Jason Cates, Belle Fourche
BEST VAN REEFER TRACTOR TRAILER - 1ST PLACE
PJ Brink Trucking, Garretson
Stan’s, Inc., Alpena
Brendon Wilson Peterbilt of Sioux Falls
Brendon Wilson, Peterbilt of Sioux Falls
Jason Cates Habeck Trucking Inc. Belle Fourche
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FMCSA Rule Updates for 2025 and What Fleets Need to Know
From deregulation to new enforcement priorities, here’s how 2025’s FMCSA updates could reshape the industry
Rob Carpenter | FreightWaves
As the trucking industry rolls into 2025, fleets face regulatory changes that could significantly impact their operations. From eliminating Motor Carrier (MC) numbers to establishing new requirements for driver qualifications, understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring smooth operations.
Elimination of MC Numbers
Effective Oct. 1, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will discontinue using MC numbers and consolidate carrier identification under USDOT numbers. This move aims to streamline the registration process and reduce fraud.
What this means for drivers and fleets: Carriers will need to ensure their USDOT number is up to date and used consistently across all documentation. This change simplifies the identification process but requires attention to detail during the transition period.
Medical Certification Process Changes
Starting June 23, certified medical examiners must electronically submit DOT exam results to the FMCSA’s National Registry, which will transmit them to State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs). This change eliminates the need for drivers to carry paper medical certificates, reducing administrative burdens.
What this means for drivers and fleets: Drivers should verify that their medical certifications are recorded properly and in a timely manner with their SDLA or DMV to avoid potential issues during inspections or license renewals. Fleets should emphasize the best practice of pulling a motor vehicle report to ensure this process functions correctly.
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse II Implementation
As of Nov. 18, 2024, SDLAs have been required to downgrade the commercial driving privileges of drivers listed as “prohibited” in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, emphasizing the importance of compliance with substance testing regulations.
What this means for drivers and fleets: Drivers must ensure they comply with drug and alcohol testing requirements to avoid license downgrades. While the Clearinghouse does send out updates when a driver’s record changes, fleets should regularly check the Clearinghouse to monitor their drivers’ statuses.
English Language Proficiency Enforcement
A new executive order mandates that commercial drivers read and speak English well enough to understand road signs, communicate with officials and complete paperwork. Noncompliant drivers will be taken out of service on the spot, a shift from previous policies that issued warnings or citations.
What this means for drivers and fleets: Drivers should self-reflect, determine their level of English proficiency and seek necessary training. Fleets may need to provide language support or resources to ensure compliance for current drivers. For driver applicants, fleets need to determine objective guidelines for ensuring hired drivers are proficient.
Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility
The FMCSA has extended the compliance date for certain provisions of the Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility final rule to Jan. 16, 2026. This extension allows for implementing a new online registration system to accept filings and track notifications.
What this means for drivers and fleets: While this change primarily affects brokers and freight forwarders, carriers should stay informed about these developments, as they can impact business relationships and payment security.
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Requirements
In March, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network removed the requirement for U.S. companies and U.S. individuals to report beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act. This change narrows the scope of reporting obligations to foreign entities only.
What this means for drivers and fleets: U.S.-based carriers are no longer required to submit BOI reports, reducing administrative tasks. However, foreign entities operating in the U.S. must still comply with these requirements.
Non‑Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs)
The Department of Transportation reviews non-domiciled CDLs to identify unusual patterns or suspicious irregularities. This action follows concerns about the increasing number of non-domiciled CDLs and the need for consistent training and oversight.
What this means for drivers and fleets: Drivers with non-domiciled CDLs should ensure their credentials are valid and comply with FMCSA standards. Fleets employing such drivers must verify their qualifications and monitor regulatory developments.
Broker Transparency
The FMCSA has proposed new rules to enhance broker transparency. These rules require brokers to provide electronic records of transactions and disclose charges and payments within 48 hours upon request. This move aims to protect carriers from fraudulent practices and ensure fair compensation.
Continued on Page 25.
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NHTSA Resets Fuel Efficiency Framework, Rebuffs Prior Policy
While there were no immediate changes, the new interpretive rule specifies the government “will no longer regulate beyond its statutory authority,” the agency said.
David Taube | Reporter | Trucking Dive
Federal fuel efficiency standards for fleets can’t be based on vehicles that only use alternative energy, such as EVs and hydrogen fuel cells, according to new oversight by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In an interpretive rule last week titled “Resetting the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program,” the DOT agency weighed in on boundaries for setting average fuel standards for manufacturers’ lineups.
The interpretive rule described previous NHTSA regulations as policy never permitted by Congress in energy law. That law centers on the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 and Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
“The statutory prohibition was clear at the time of enactment and has remained clear: it is impermissible for NHTSA to consider the fuel economy of dedicated automobiles in setting maximum feasible fuel economy standards,” the agency said.
The maximum feasible level is determined by the DOT secretary and is based on four factors:
• technological feasibility
• economic practicability
• the effect of other government standards on fuel economy
• the nation’s need to conserve energy
Manufacturers can continue to make EVs and other alternative energy vehicles, but the interpretive rule clarifies how fuel efficiency standards are set.
FMCSA Rule Updates for 2025 and What Fleets Need to Know continued from Page 23.
What this means for drivers and fleets:
Carriers should know their rights to access transaction records and report discrepancies. Staying informed about these regulations can help prevent fraud and promote fair dealings.
Looking Ahead
The Trump administration’s emphasis on deregulation may influence future FMCSA rulemaking. For instance, there is legislative pushback against the proposed speed limiter rule, which would require speed limiters on commercial
The Transportation Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released an interpretive rule last week specifying how to carry out fuel efficiency standards in the future. Retrieved from FHWA.
While there were no immediate changes, NHTSA “will no longer regulate beyond its statutory authority,” according to the administration’s interpretative rule.
The new policy sets the framework for potential future changes to manufacturing regulations for autos and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
The interpretive rule also prohibits a federal medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle program from fining vehicle or engine manufacturers for violating efficiency standards.
Reprinted from Trucking Dive.
vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds. A bill introduced in Congress aims to block the FMCSA from issuing this rule, reflecting the administration’s deregulation.
The FMCSA’s Truck Leasing Task Force also recommended banning lease-purchase agreements between carriers and drivers, citing concerns over financial hardship and exploitative practices. While this recommendation awaits legislative action, it underscores the agency’s focus on protecting drivers’ interests.
What this means for drivers and fleets: Carriers should monitor legislative developments affecting operational requirements.
Understanding potential changes allows for proactive adjustments to business practices.
As 2025 and the next four years of an administration focused on deregulation and smaller government unfold, fleets need to stay informed about regulatory changes and potential shifts in policy direction. Engaging with industry resources, participating in public comment periods and adapting to new compliance requirements will be crucial for maintaining successful operations in the evolving landscape of trucking regulations.
Reprinted from FreightWaves.
Heavy Equipment & Second Chances: Diesel Training for Inmates Part of South Dakota’s Latest Economic Development Push
Southeast Technical College to offer on‑site instruction at the penitentiary
Joe Sneve | The Dakota Scout
South Dakota officials are committing more than a million bucks in state economic development money to prison programming.
Gov. Larry Rhoden and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development announced Monday that $1.518 million in Future Fund dollars for fiscal year 2026 will go toward launching a diesel heavy equipment certificate program inside the penitentiary. The program will be operated by Southeast Technical College with oversight from the South Dakota Board of Technical Education.
“Being Open for Opportunity means investing in people and believing in second chances,” Rhoden said in a statement. “These Future Funds will support meaningful educational programming that helps individuals build better lives and contributes to a stronger workforce across our state.”
The investment comes as the state continues to debate the role and effectiveness of its corrections system in rehabilitating incarcerated individuals. The Department of Corrections has faced criticism from lawmakers and advocates alike over staffing shortages, prison infrastructure needs, and limited access to meaningful rehabilitation and reentry services.
“Education is one of the best ways to support rehabilitation and reduce recidivism,” said Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko. “We’re grateful to Gov. Rhoden and his team for supporting reentry efforts. These programs give people purpose, build skills, and strengthen families and communities across South Dakota.”
According to officials, Southeast Technical College has been working with the department for several years to prepare for prison-based education programs. The new initiative expands that partnership by bringing instruction directly inside the penitentiary and offering inmates the opportunity to earn industry credentials.
“Keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free means investing in solutions that make our state better for everyone,” said GOED Commissioner Bill Even. “Supporting education inside the correctional system creates new pathways to employment and helps meet the workforce needs of our growing industries.”
Reprinted from The Dakota Scout.
States Warn of Texting Scams Over Bogus Unpaid Tickets
FBI Reports $16.6 Billion Lost in 2024 to Cybercrime
Noël Fletcher | Staff Reporter | Transport Topics
A broad collection of states are warning residents about scams under which victims receive text messages purported to be from state motor vehicle agencies seeking payment for fraudulent traffic violations, and which threaten revocation of driver’s licenses for noncompliance.
“Scammers took note of the toll text scams that were everywhere a couple months ago and are now using the same playbook for these traffic text scams,” North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson stated in a consumer alert. Jackson was referring to a pervasive effort launched last year in which thieves sent fraudulent texts seeking payment for unpaid highway tolls.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center says over $50 billion was lost to all categories of cybercrime from 2020 to 2024 — with $16.6 billion swindled last year alone, a jump of 33% over 2023. The top overseas destinations for cybercrime wire transactions last year were Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mexico, the Philippines, India and China, the agency said. The relatively new toll scam bilked $129,624 in losses last year from 59,271 reported complaints, the FBI added.
Per the Federal Trade Commission, all categories of text-based scams accounted for $470 million in thefts last year, five times higher than the 2020 take.
So far, warnings on the tolling scams have been issued in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming. Attorneys general, state police and motor vehicle departments are all issuing public alerts about text scammers.
“These messages are not only fraudulent — they’re frightening,” Minnesota Driver Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong said after hearing residents talk of receiving an onslaught of texts with escalating threats. “We understand how upsetting it can be to receive multiple threatening messages
demanding payment. If you’re unsure, please reach out to us directly. We’re here to help protect your information and your peace of mind.”
The Arizona Department of Transportation in a June 11 notice told residents, “Beware of new text scam: ADOT isn’t after you for unpaid tickets.” The alert warned that people with Arizona cellphone numbers have been receiving threatening Final Enforcement Notice texts purported to be from ADOT or the nonexistent “Arizona Ministry of Communications.”
The alert warned that the texts “promise all manner of bad things should you fail to act quickly. The threats include suspending your vehicle registration and driving privileges, harming your credit and possibly hitting you with prosecution.” ADOT stressed, “For the record: ADOT is not involved in collecting for unpaid traffic tickets. We will not text you seeking payment for anything. One obvious tell is this text’s use of ‘DMV’ when ADOT in fact has an ‘MVD,’ short for Motor Vehicle Division.”
Georgia residents have been getting texts allegedly from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, which is an agency name not used in the state. “Anyone who receives such communication should consider it a scam. Customers who are pending a license suspension or other changes in their license status are notified in writing by DDS,” said Georgia Department of Driver Services Commissioner Angelique McClendon.
Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday issued a June consumer alert after receiving similar complaints about thieves masquerading to be from the state DMV. “These messages always contain a link to pay. Do not click on the link or copy the link into your browser. These messages are from scammers trying to obtain your personal information or to scare you into paying them,” the notice declared. “PennDOT does not send text messages about traffic violations or fines. Consumers who receive a text message or email from anyone
alleging to be from a government agency should reach out to that agency to confirm the authenticity of any such message.”
Some scams include deadlines to scare and coerce people into revealing their financial information. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety warned residents about the fake texts and ruse about unpaid traffic tickets with a deadline to pay. The fraudulent texts say: “South Dakota Department of Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 10. Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.”
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security and state Highway Patrol noted June 5 that some messages include links to fake websites that mimic the official TDOSHS site. “These messages are not from the TDOSHS or the THP. They are fake messages trying to scam Tennesseans,” the warning stated. “Do not click on any links or respond to unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly.”
Among key advice from state authorities:
• Do not respond to the text or use the contact information in a suspicious message.
• Do not provide personal or financial information to these messages.
• Never send payments without verifying a source in a text message. (Always verify a phone number or website.)
• Do not open text attachments or a link.
• Report and delete scam text messages. (Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report the message, block the number and then delete it.)
• Warn friends and family members about thieves sending fake text messages.
FTC complaints can be filed online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Reprinted from Transport Topics.
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