Don't click that link: Authorities warn of new DMV scam texts
Don't click that link: Authorities warn of new DMV scam texts
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Federal officials warn of unpaid toll scam texts coast to coast
People across the country are getting scam texts demanding they cough up unpaid tolls or else. Here's what you need to know.
Straight Arrow News
First toll roads, and now DMVs are the entity text scammers are looking to hide behind.
The latest round of text message scams pose as important messages from state Departments of Motor Vehicles, or DMVs. As of Friday, May 30, the messages had been reported in several states such as Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, New York.
On Tuesday, May 27, Illinois Secretary of State Alex Giannoulias issued a warning, asking residents to be wary of text messages claiming to be from the Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles, threatening to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges if certain bills aren't paid.
Here's what to know about the latest round of text scams.
What do the DMV scam texts look like?
While the texts vary state to state, the underlying message is the same: Residents are at risk of losing their vehicle registration and driving privileges, receive a toll booth charge increase, or see their credit score impacted, if they go not pay an outstanding traffic ticket to the state's DMV.
The text message sent to Illinoisans includes a date in which penalties will begin, a fake state administrative code and a list of consequences that the receiver will face if they don't pay an outstanding bill. The message also includes a link that appears to be the Illinois Department of Transportation website.
The City of Linden, New Jersey shared in an advisory that folks may receive a text message that includes "ezpassnj" and ".gov" in the link to appear legitimate. The message, however, doesn't allow folks to click the link directly but instead prompts them to respond "Y" and copy the link to a browser.
What should you do if you receive a DMV scam text?
If you receive a text message from a DMV, demanding money, the Federal Trade Commission suggests the following:
Do not respond to the text or click any links. State DMVs would not ask for your information or money by text.
If you think the message might be real, contact your state's DMV using a trusted phone number or website.
Copy the text message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This will help your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
Report the text on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and/or file a compliant with the FBI's Internet Crime Compliant Center at ic3.gov.
What is 'smishing'?
The DMV text scam is an example of smishing.
"Smishing" is a social engineering attack that uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to hackers, according to IBM. The term is a combination of "SMS" or short messaging service" and "phishing," an umbrella term for social engineering attacks.
Is 'smishing' the same as a telemarketer?
No. While both types of communication may be unwarranted, smishing and messages/calls from telemarketers are different. Smishing is a cybercrime in which scammers are looking to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Telemarketers, on the other hand, is a legitimate marketing practice used to promote products or services.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
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In Florida, the state DMV has created a webpage to alert drivers about the scam, reminding locals that the FLDMV 'will never contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest.' Some local police and civic associations in states like New York and New Jersey have posted warnings across social media, too. The Warren Township Police Department in New Jersey shared a notice on Facebook on May 31, alerting locals of the 'recent increase' in the scam texts. According to screenshot examples placed on government websites, the texts vary state-by-state, but they tend to include a warning that if the recipient does not pay an outstanding traffic ticket, they will encounter a penalty. Recipients are told they could lose their vehicle registration or driving privileges, potentially see a toll booth charge increase, see their credit score impacted, or even risk prosecution. 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