The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles is warning residents about a text message scam that claims people have an unpaid traffic citation.

The message demands people pay the citation immediately to avoid any penalties.

Officials say the fake text says that any unresolved citation will lead to vehicle registration being suspended, additional fees and possibly going to court if the payment is not made by a specific deadline.

The message also prompts people to click on what officials describe as a suspicious payment link.

Officials add that the DMV does not send payment demands via text.

Anyone who receives the messages should not click on the link or reply and delete them.

People are encouraged to report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.