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

Wisconsin DMV Scam Text and Email
Wisconsin DMV Scam Text and Email

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is warning residents of active, widespread phishing scams via text and email that falsely claim to be from the DMV. These scams threaten penalties, such as suspended licenses, for fake "unpaid fees" or "tolls" to steal personal information and money. The Wisconsin DMV never sends text messages or emails asking for payments or urgent, personal data.

Wisconsin DMV Scam

  • The Hook: Messages often claim to be a "final notice" for unpaid tolls (note: Wisconsin does not have toll roads) or vehicle fees.
  • Suspicious Links: Texts contain fake, non-official links (not ending in .gov) that lead to phishing sites designed to look legitimate.
  • Urgency: Scammers use threatening language, such as warning of immediate driver's license suspension or prosecution.
  • Common Tactics: Texts may come from international, unknown, or 63-country code numbers.
  • Red Flags: The agency is often misnamed as "Wisconsin Department of Vehicles" rather than the "Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles".

    Wisconsin Department of Transportation (.gov) +6

Received a Scam

  • Do Not Click: Never click links or reply to these messages.
  • Report & Delete: Report the text as spam (forward to 7726) and delete it immediately.
  • Verify Independently: If worried about a violation, go directly to the official wisconsindmv.gov website to check your account, rather than using links from messages.
  • Report to Authorities: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint.
  • Sign Up for Safety: Use the official Wisconsin DMV eNotify system to get legitimate alerts.
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