
Mass. RMV warns text scams are getting smarter
Why it matters: Registrar Colleen Ogilvie is trying to fight back. She told Axios the RMV never requests personal information or payment via text messaging.
The RMV only uses texts for informational purposes.
State of play: The fraudulent messages threaten license suspension and registration revocation. They direct recipients to fake websites that may look legitimate but are designed to steal credit card information.
Ogilvie said the RMV is facing a third iteration of text scams that now reference MassDOT specifically to appear more legitimate.
Previous versions of the scam targeted EZPass users or used generic "DMV" terminology that wouldn't apply to Massachusetts.
Ogilvie said artificial intelligence appears to be reducing telltale spelling errors in the texts.

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The bottom line: Some companies also hesitate to report these incidents, fearing they could be penalized for unknowingly violating U.S. sanctions — even though law enforcement officials have said they're more interested in cooperation than prosecution. What's next Right now, the operations are predominantly focused on making money for North Korea's regime. Threat level: But the hacking groups involved are evolving into something more sophisticated and dangerous — including by potentially building their own AI models and feeding in sensitive U.S. company data. That's a particular concern in the defense sector. Barnhart says his teams have seen North Korean IT workers increasingly studying information about AI technologies, drone manufacturing and other defense contract work. What to watch: As U.S. companies become more alert, North Korean IT workers are shifting their focus abroad as they seek employment at other companies and set up laptop farms throughout Europe — suggesting the operation is only just now ramping up, instead of slowing down.