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

Text from DMV Scam Messages - Beware
Text from DMV Scam Messages - Beware

A common DMV text scam involves fraudulent messages claiming you have an unpaid ticket, toll violation, or license suspension, demanding immediate payment via a link. These "smishing" (SMS phishing) attempts use urgent, threatening language, often containing misspellings, non-US country codes, or links that do not end in ".gov". Do not click links or reply; delete the message.

Common Scam Texts

  • "State of [State Name] Department of Vehicles Final Notice: Non-Payment Will Trigger Mandatory Penalties"
  • "Your license will be suspended if you do not pay your outstanding toll violation..."
  • "DMV Notice: Unpaid traffic ticket, please click here to resolve..."

How to Spot a Scam

  • The DMV will not text you regarding fines, traffic tickets, or to ask for personal/payment information.
  • Do not click links: These lead to fake websites designed to steal bank information.
  • Report the message: Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM).
  • Verify independently: If you are worried, contact your local DMV directly via their official website, not through the text link.

If you provided personal information, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

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