Public warned about fake PennDOT email scam

Police are warning the public about a fraudulent email claiming to be collecting traffic violation fines for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The email's subject line states, "Action required - fine for traffic violations."

The email states, "A vehicle registered to you was captured running a red light," including a violation date, ticket number, specified fine amount and links to view photos and pay the fine. These links are to websites not affiliated with PennDOT.

The email contains poor grammar and spelling and other errors indicating it's a scam. Traffic tickets issued in Pennsylvania are not paid directly to PennDOT, as the email purports.

The public is urged to delete and not respond to such emails, never give out personal information, never open anything from an unknown source, never click on an email that has only an internet provider address and never run a program or allow a plug-in with a source not known or trusted.