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

DPS Text Scam Messages
DPS Text Scam Messages

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) do not send text messages for payments or personal information; any such message is a phishing scam. These scams often use "final notice" warnings about unpaid traffic tickets or tolls to create urgency and trick you into clicking on malicious links.

Red Flags

  • Urgent Threats: Messages often threaten immediate license suspension, vehicle registration issues, or legal action if you don't pay within hours.
  • Fake Codes: Scammers often cite non-existent laws, such as "State Administrative Code 15C-16.003," to appear legitimate.
  • Suspicious Senders: Texts frequently come from unknown international numbers (e.g., country code +63 for the Philippines) or random email-like addresses.
  • Malicious Links: The provided URL may look official but will use odd domains like .top, .live, .digital, or .cfd instead of the official .gov.

Protect Yourself

  • Do Not Click: Never open links or download attachments from unsolicited texts.
  • Verify Directly: If you are concerned about a real fine, contact your local DPS or DMV using an official number from their government website.
  • Report the Scam:
  • Block and Delete: Once reported, block the sender and delete the message immediately.
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