DMV scam texts target drivers in 14 states with fake penalty threats
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to deceive individuals, with a new wave of text message scams targeting drivers across the country. These scams impersonate state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and threaten fines or penalties unless immediate payment is made. States like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Vermont, Texas, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C. have all been affected by these scams.
The scam messages are designed to create a sense of urgency and fear, warning recipients about unpaid tickets or tolls and claiming that failure to pay will result in severe consequences such as credit score damage, revoked driving privileges, or increased toll fees. The messages often include a fake administrative code, a deadline for penalties to begin, and a link that appears to be from an official DMV website.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, it is important to be skeptical of messages that create urgency or panic. Look for red flags such as strange sender addresses, awkward language, misspellings, or links that do not match the official DMV website. Do not click on any links or reply to the messages, and ensure that you have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices.
If you receive a suspicious text message, verify directly with your state’s DMV using official channels rather than the contact information provided in the message. Consider using a Personal Data Removal Service to reduce the amount of personal information available online and make it harder for scammers to target you. Delete the message immediately, block the sender, and report the scam to your mobile provider and the appropriate authorities.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to DMV text message scams and keep your personal information secure. Remember, the real DMV will never ask for payment or sensitive details over text. Stay alert, and stay safe online.
