Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.
ny-dmv-26-92173 Scam Text

The text message referencing "ny-dmv-26-92173" or similar links is a phishing (smishing) scam designed to steal personal and financial information from New York residents. These messages are fraudulent and are not sent by the actual New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

About the Scam

  • The Message: Texts often claim you have an outstanding traffic ticket, unpaid fine, or that your driver's license is about to be suspended.
  • The Goal: To trick you into clicking a link that leads to a fake website, where you are asked to enter your driver’s license number, Social Security number, and credit card details.
  • The Tactics: Scammers use high-pressure, urgent language, often threatening a "35% service fee" or immediate license suspension to provoke quick action.
  • Fake Websites: The links often use "ny" and "dmv" to look legitimate, but they do not end in ".gov" (e.g., they may end in .org, .cc, or other variations).

Received a Text

  • DO NOT click the link.
  • DO NOT reply to the text message.
  • Delete the message immediately.
  • Verify directly: If you are worried about a ticket, check your status only through the official dmv.ny.gov website.
  • Report the scam: You can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or email the NY DMV at dmv.sm.phishingattacks@dmv.ny.gov.
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