Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

NJ DMV Text Scam Messages

The New Jersey DMV text scam is a "smishing" (SMS phishing) attempt to steal your personal and financial information. Scammers send unsolicited texts threatening severe penalties for "unpaid traffic tickets" or "toll violations".

How the Scam Works

  • The Message: You receive a text claiming to be from the "DMV" or "NJMVC" warning of an outstanding ticket or penalty.
  • The Threats: It often warns of immediate vehicle registration suspension, license suspension, a 35% service fee increase at toll booths, and damage to your credit score.
  • The Link: The text provides a link to a fraudulent website (often using ".icu" or other non-gov extensions) that asks for your driver’s license number, Social Security number, and credit card details.
  • The "Y" Trick: Some messages instruct you to reply "Y" and then reopen the message to enable the link—this is a tactic to bypass spam filters.

Red Flags

  • The Wrong Name: New Jersey transitioned from the "DMV" to the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) over 20 years ago. Most scam texts still use "DMV".
  • The Communication Method: The NJMVC never sends unsolicited texts or emails for payments, fines, or license updates. They only send texts for appointment reminders.
  • The URL: Legitimate NJ state websites always end in .gov. Scams use lookalike URLs like "njmvc-pay.icu" or "ezpass-nj.org".
  • Urgency: High-pressure language (e.g., "Enforcement begins tomorrow") is meant to make you panic and click without thinking.

If You Receive One

  1. Do Not Click: Avoid clicking any links or replying to the message.
  2. Report the Text: Forward the scam message to 7726 (SPAM) to help your carrier block the sender.
  3. File a Formal Report: Report the incident to the New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
  4. Check Your Status Safely: If you are worried about a real ticket, visit the official NJMVC website directly or call their customer service.
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