Tennessee Department of Safety And Homeland Security Scam

Common Scams

• Unpaid Traffic Tickets: Messages claim you have outstanding violations and threaten to suspend your driving privileges or vehicle registration if a fine is not paid immediately.
• Overdue Toll Fees: These texts claim you owe money for toll roads; however, Tennessee does not have any toll roads.
• SafeTN App Impersonation: Some messages falsely claim to be from the official SafeTN app regarding payments or legal actions.
• DMV Impersonation: Texts may use a fake "Department of Vehicles" name rather than the official Department of Safety.

Red Flags

• Urgency and Threats: Scammers use high-pressure language, such as "Final Notice," and threaten immediate license suspension or credit score damage.
• Suspicious Links: The messages include links to unofficial websites (e.g., ending in .icu, .top, or .life) that may look like the official TN.gov site but are designed to steal your financial data.
• Unofficial Senders: Emails or messages from non-government domains like Gmail, Hotmail, or iCloud are not legitimate.
• Method of Contact: The TDOSHS never sends text messages for fines, payments, or license actions; official notifications are sent via postal mail.

What You Should Do

1. Do Not Click: Avoid clicking any links or replying to the message, even with "Y" or "Stop".
2. Verify Independently: If you are concerned about your license status, check the Official TN Driver Services Portal or call them directly.
3. Report the Incident:
   • Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM).
   • File a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
   • Report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).