Illinois Secretary of State warns of fraudulent text messaging scam

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is urging Illinoisans to beware of fraudulent text messages demanding money.

The scam messages have claimed that a person's vehicle registration or driving privileges will be suspended, and they must click on a link to prevent it.

The Secretary of State's office stated that it only sends text reminders of upcoming appointments.

"These messages are designed to look legitimate, which is why it’s important for residents to remember that our office will never contact them by text about license or registration issues. Ignoring and reporting these scams helps protect everyone," Giannoulias said in a statement.

Residents who receive scam messages can report them to the Federal Trade Commission.

Man killed in Christmas Day shooting in Decatur identified

Memorial Health limits hospital visitors amid rise in respiratory illnesses

DRONE VIDEO: Several homes damaged after tornado hits Macon Co.