DMV Final Notice Text Scam - How to Protect Yourself

How the Scam Works

• The Message: You receive a text claiming you have an "outstanding traffic ticket" or "unpaid tolls".
• The Threat: It warns of immediate consequences like license suspension, vehicle registration cancellation, a 35% service fee, or even legal prosecution.
• The "Proof": Many of these texts cite a fake law, such as "Administrative Code 15C-16.003," to sound official.
• The Goal: It pressures you to click a link to a fraudulent website that mimics an official government page to capture your Social Security number, driver's license details, or credit card info.

Red Flags

• Urgency: Legitimate agencies do not demand immediate payment via text to avoid arrest or suspension.
• Suspicious Links: Official state websites end in .gov. Scammers use similar-looking URLs like .top, .xyz, or .cc.
• Sender Identity: The text often comes from a random email address or an international phone number (e.g., country codes like +63 for the Philippines).
• Payment Method: No government agency will ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or apps like Venmo or CashApp.

If You Get This Text

1. Do Not Click: Never click links or respond to the message.
2. Report It: Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) to help your carrier block the sender.
3. File a Complaint: Report the incident to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).
4. Verify Directly: If you're genuinely worried about your driving status, visit your state's official DMV website directly (e.g., NY DMV, CA DMV, TX DMV) by typing the address into your browser.