Rhode Island DMV warns of surge in fraudulent text messages
Officials shared an example of one of the messages, which states the alert is a 'final notice' from the 'Department of Motor Vehicles.'
Get Rhode Map
A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State.
Enter Email
Sign Up
'Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 30,' the message reads. 'Our records indicate that you currently have an unpaid traffic violation… Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes…'
According to the DMV, the messages cite 'fictitious legal code and link to fraudulent websites.' The agency said it does not send requests for payments or threats through text messages – the DMV sends information through the US Mail – and emphasized the public should not click on any suspicious links, as doing so could expose 'individuals to identify theft, malware, or financial fraud.'
'Scammers are continually preying on people's fears to manipulate them into revealing personal and financial information,' DMV Administrator Walter R. Craddock said in a statement. 'We encourage all Rhode Islanders to stay alert and verify their driving privileges only through reliable, official sources.'
Advertisement
Officials said fraudulent messages can be reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at
'Rhode Island residents who have concerns about their DMV records should utilize our Online DMV Customer Portal at
Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Idaho DMV, Star Card texts are scams, state officials warn
Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. (Courtesy of Getty Images) Idaho government officials are warning that text messages about unpaid traffic tickets and the newly required Star Card are scams. Idaho law enforcement agencies never send texts to people to demand payments, threaten penalties for violations or tolls that haven't been paid, or for missed jury duty, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said in a news release. 'Scammers stole over $63 million from Idahoans last year, predominantly targeting our seniors,' Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. 'These scammers are now using fake DMV texts to steal even more. Idaho families need to know that legitimate government agencies never demand payments through text messages.' Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link. The Idaho Attorney General's Office urges Idahoans to look out for red flags, like: Demanding payment urgently — or through gift cards. Threats to suspend licenses, or even arrest. And suspicious web links that might look official. If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or share your personal information. Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission, and delete it. The FTC's fraud reporting website is The Idaho Transportation Department is also warning Idahoans about scam texts that falsely promote online payments or quicker access to REAL IDs, also known as Star Cards. 'Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,' Idaho DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan said in a statement. 'Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.' Find accurate information about Idaho services for the DMV and REAL ID online at the Idaho DMV website, at SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Is that DMV text real? What to know about the scam targeting Oklahomans, people nationwide
A state agency is warning residents about a text message scam targeting Oklahomans. The scam, posing as the Department of Motor Vehicles, is claiming recipients owe unpaid traffic fines, according to Service Oklahoma. The messages are an attempt to steal information,. Here's what you need to know. The nationwide scam includes the false claim that recipients owe unpaid traffic tickets, and include links designed to steal personal and financial information. Service Oklahoma reminded Oklahomans of the following: Service Oklahoma will never call you or text you to ask for a payment Service Oklahoma operators will never request money or account information through text Do not click clinks or respond to suspicious messages Delete any suspicious messages and report them as spam If you did click the link or enter any information, you should take steps to secure your accounts, Service Oklahoma added. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma DMV final notice text: State agency warns of scam, what to do
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
St. George to crack down on off-highway vehicles after fatal crash kills 9-year-old boy
ST. GEORGE, Utah () — After last month, law enforcement officials said they will start cracking down on the use of off-highway vehicles (OHV) on city streets. Earlier this week, the St. George Police Department saying they were starting a focused enforcement. From neighborhood roads to school zones, police are saying they are seeing more kids and teens riding in places that they shouldn't be. Sgt. Jeremy Needle told ABC4 these vehicles can reach freeway speeds, and officers are seeing them being driven recklessly. After four years of education and awareness for the safe use of OHVs, it was time to start cracking down. 'Now, we're at a point where we will start impounding and issuing citations not only to the juveniles but also to the parents who are allowing this,' Sgt. Jeremy Needles said. Carp chaos at Utah Lake as carp overpopulation becomes serious problem Several laws surround OHVs in St. George. For starters, OHVs, including electric motorcycles, are not allowed on any city streets, trails or sidewalks. Other laws include: Unlicensed individuals under the age of 18 must have direct supervision from an adult within 300 feet. All drivers must have an OHV Education Certificate from the State to operate an OHV. All OHVs must be registered with the DMV. Sgt. Needle said that while some parents may not be aware of the laws when it comes to using an OHV, he said ignorance isn't a defense. 'The first thing that a parent should do when they buy these types of devices is know the law,' said Needle. 'It's your responsibility as a parent to know the laws that are applicable to the devices you're buying. If you don't know those and you just let your kid go out and ride these things, you could get in trouble. Not to mention, it could cost your child's life.' Just last month, a 9-year-old boy was riding a scooter through his St. George neighborhood when . The 9-year-old was airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries. Brigham City Peach Days vendors now free to sell beverages, Coca-Cola partnership is ended So, at the end of the day, St. George Police said cracking down on golf carts is not about ruining anyone's fun – it's about keeping everyone safe. 'Safety is paramount to us, and we don't have to tell any parent their child has passed away because they were improperly riding one of these devices,' said Needle. While St. George begins cracking down on the use of OHVs on its city streets, a city along the Wasatch Front the use of golf carts on residential roads. In early May, the Highland City Council in Utah County voted 4-1 to allow golf carts on 25 mph roads in the city. Similar to St. George, Highland has strict laws surrounding the use of golf carts on city roads, including no driving after dark, and drivers must be at least 18 years of age. St. George to crack down on off-highway vehicles after fatal crash kills 9-year-old boy Musk offers peace signal to Trump after all-out verbal war Scattered showers, thunderstorms for Utah's Friday, toasty weekend to follow Trump and Musk feud explodes in public view Race heats up to replace Connolly on powerful Oversight panel Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
