Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is alerting motorists across the state to a surge in scam texts and phone calls impersonating the Secretary of State’s office, in an effort to steal money and sensitive personal information. This week, scammers have introduced new tactics, sending text messages and making phone calls that falsely claim to be from the Secretary of State’s office. The fraudulent messages allege that Illinois residents are behind on toll payments and threaten penalties ranging from fines and suspension of driving privileges to vehicle registration blocks and legal action.

In response, Secretary Giannoulias has launched a statewide consumer protection campaign, “Don’t Click. It’s a Trick,” to warn Illinoisans not to click on suspicious links. He emphasized that the Secretary of State’s office and the DMV never send texts requesting payment or threatening penalties.

“Scammers are using every tool they can—texts, phone calls, and fake websites—to pressure people into handing over money and personal information,” Giannoulias said. “They want to create fear, confusion, and urgency so Illinoisans act before they think. Don’t fall for it. If you get a text or call claiming to be from the DMV and demanding payment or threatening consequences, it’s a scam.”

To help combat the fraud, Giannoulias’ office has set up a dedicated email address—scamalert@ilsos.gov—for reporting scam texts. Residents are encouraged to take a screenshot of the suspicious message and send it to the Secretary of State’s office, which is working with law enforcement to identify and shut down scammer websites.

What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text:

Never click links in unsolicited DMV texts.

Never send money or personal information.

Report the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov.

Delete the message immediately.

The Secretary of State’s office reminds residents that it only sends text message reminders for scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send texts or make calls about driver’s license status, vehicle registration issues, or enforcement actions.

The Chicago Board of Education wants Gov. J.B. Pritzker to reject a federal program offering donated money to students.

A new Chicago Board of Education resolution urges Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers to reject a federal program that will provide donor money for students’ academic needs.

The measure passed 15-0 with three members abstaining.

Many on the board appeared to rely on the inaccurate claim that public money will be diverted for private education. But some seemed wary of blindly following the Chicago Teachers Union, which is less popular than ever.

Board member Jennifer Custer indicated she has seen a lot of community interest and that the feedback she’s heard is “50-50 for and against” the federal program.

Before the vote, board member Ellen Rosenfeld motioned to table the resolution indefinitely. While her motion was unsuccessful, Rosenfeld made clear she believed the issue belongs instead on the board’s legislative agenda.   

If the state opts into the program, thousands of K-12 Chicago Public School students could receive donor money for tutoring, test fees, career coaching, books and more.

The money would be donated by taxpayers, who would get a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit up to $1,700 each year. Any taxpayer can get the credit for a qualified contribution to a tax-exempt scholarship-granting organization.

That means the only cost to the federal government is minimal foregone income tax revenue. There is no cost to states, only the benefit of more help flowing directly to students.

If Pritzker does not opt Illinois into the program, residents will watch the money flow to other states.

Pritzker has until Jan. 1, 2027, to decide if over a million Illinois families and students will be able to access donated education money for their academic needs.