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

Nebraska DMV Text Scam
Nebraska DMV Text Scam

If you received a text message from the "Nebraska DMV" about unpaid fines or traffic violations, it is a scam. Nebraska law enforcement agencies, including the Douglas County and Polk County Sheriff's Offices, issued urgent warnings on March 7-8, 2026, regarding this widespread "smishing" (SMS phishing) campaign.

How the Scam Works

  • The Message: You receive a text claiming you have unresolved traffic violations or unpaid fines.
  • The Threat: It uses urgent language, threatening license suspension, vehicle registration cancellation, or legal prosecution if you don't pay immediately.
  • The Goal: It directs you to click a link to a fake website designed to steal your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or credit card information.

Why It's Fake

  • No Unsolicited Texts: The Nebraska DMV does not send unsolicited text messages or emails to collect fines or notify you of violations.
  • Official Communication: Government agencies typically use the U.S. Mail for enforcement notices and never demand payment via text.
  • No Toll Roads: Some versions of this scam claim you owe money for "unpaid tolls," but the Nebraska Department of Transportation confirms there are no toll roads in the state.

What to Do

  1. Do Not Click: Never click links in suspicious texts; they may contain malware or lead to phishing sites.
  2. Delete and Block: Delete the message immediately and block the sender's number.
  3. Verify Independently: If you are concerned about your driving record, check it through the official Nebraska DMV website or contact your local DMV office directly.
  4. Report It: Forward the scam message to 7726 (SPAM) and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
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