Minnesota residents targeted by fake messages imitating Driver Vehicle Services
Jun. 4---- The
is warning Minnesotans to be wary of any text messages from the "DMV" and requesting immediate payment.
According to a news release from DPS, these fake messages claim to be from agencies such as the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN" and request immediate payment in regard to outstanding traffic tickets. The messages state if payment is not received a number of actions may be taken, including suspending driving privileges for 30 days or revoking vehicle registration.
The Department of Public Safety advises those who have received these messages not to open any links to avoid having any personal information stolen.
"DPS and its Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division will never send texts about outstanding traffic tickets and will never request payment through a text," according to the news release.
Some residents reported receiving multiple messages in a row, with increasingly threatening language to pressure recipients into paying.
"We understand how upsetting it can be to receive multiple threatening messages demanding payment. If you're unsure please reach out directly," Driver and Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong wrote in a statement "We're here to help protect your information and peace of mind."
The DVS Records Division can be reached by phone at 651-296-2940. Residents can also find information they need at the DVS website at
Residents who sent money or personal information after receiving these texts are advised to file a report with the FBI's
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Don't pay for traffic tickets over text: DPS warns of scam messages
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is warning Minnesotans to watch out for scam text messages that appear to be from the 'Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles' or 'DPSMN.' These fake messages claim the recipient needs to pay for outstanding traffic tickets and threaten consequences if they do not pay. Some Minnesotans have received several messages that became more and more demanding, according to the Department of Public Safety. Public Safety will never communicate about traffic tickets or ask for payment through text message. If a Minnesota resident receives one of these texts, here is what the department recommends doing: Do not click on any links in the message, give personal information or send money. Mark the text as spam and delete it without responding. If a recipient is concerned the message is real, they can reach out to the Driver and Vehicle Services division of DPS at with questions. If people have already paid for these fake tickets, they can file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at Who's in charge? CDC's leadership 'crisis' apparent amid new COVID-19 vaccine guidance DOC commissioner asks for patience from Stillwater prison families, dismisses idea of reopening Appleton prison Measles vaccination rates drop after COVID-19 pandemic in counties across the US 40 St. Paul street lights stripped of copper wiring, though reports are down overall Federal law enforcement presence draws protests in South Minneapolis
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Get a text from the "Minnesota DMV"? It's a fake, officials say.
State officials are warning Minnesotans that texts about unpaid traffic tickets are part of a scheme to steal personal information. The Department of Public Safety said the texts purport to be from the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN" and request payment, using "threatening language to pressure them into paying." "These messages are not only fraudulent — they're frightening," said Driver and Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong. "We understand how upsetting it can be to receive multiple threatening messages demanding payment. If you're unsure, please reach out to us directly. We're here to help protect your information and your peace of mind." The agency said not to open any links in these text messages and that it will never request payment or even broach traffic tickets via text. Anyone who has already fallen victim should report it to the FBI. Officials also recommended following these steps: Do not respond to the message or click any links. DPS and DVS will never ask for your information or money by text. Do not give money or personal information. If you think the message might be real, contact DVS through our website at Report the message as junk or spam and delete it.
