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

Utah DMV Text Scam Message

If you received a text message from the "Utah DMV" or "Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT)" claiming you have an unpaid traffic ticket or toll violation, it is a scam.

The Utah State Tax Commission and UDOT have confirmed that they never send payment requests, ticket notifications, or legal threats via text message.

Common Red Flags

  • Urgent Threats: The message warns of immediate license suspension, vehicle registration revocation, or extra "service fees" (often 35-40%).
  • Fake Codes: Scammers often cite non-existent laws, such as "Utah Motor Vehicle Code D508-12.083" or "Code 15c 16.003," to look official.
  • International Numbers: Texts frequently originate from unfamiliar or international area codes, such as +63 (Philippines).
  • Suspicious Links: The links provided lead to fraudulent websites. Official Utah government sites always end in .utah.gov.

What to Do

  1. Do Not Click: Never click links or download attachments in these messages.
  2. Do Not Respond: Do not reply "Y" or "N" to these texts, as this confirms your number is active.
  3. Report & Block: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier, then block the number and delete the text.
  4. Verify Directly: If you are concerned about a real ticket or toll, contact the Utah DMV directly at 801-297-7780 or check your status on the official Motor Vehicle Portal.

If you have already provided payment information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud. You can also file a formal complaint with the FTC or the FBI's IC3.

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