Latest news with #AmyAnthony
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Police warn about new DMV text message scam: What is brushing scam? What you need to know
Officials are warning drivers and cellphone users about new text message scams claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles — threatening 'final notice' to target victims — and other brushing, spoofing and smishing scams to look out for. The latest DMV text scam threatens to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges if fines aren't paid immediately by clicking on the fake link. It has been reported across several states such as Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, New York and more. The DMV scam is the latest amid a slew of smishing text activity in the past year aimed at getting unsuspecting victims to click on malicious links to pay outstanding fines, reply "Y" to the messages, copy the links into your browser or confirm personal information, among other methods. "The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) has received multiple reports of a recent phishing scam impersonating the DMV for Enforcement Penalties," the NJMVC said on social media on May 29. "These messages are designed to steal your personal and financial information." 'Phishing scams are designed to create a sense of panic, catching the receiver off guard and causing them to react before thinking,' warned DMV Director Amy Anthony. 'I urge everyone to think before you click on links of any kind especially those requesting money, payment, personal information, credit card details, social security number, or anything else that could be used negatively.' Here's what you need to know to avoid getting ripped off. If you receive a text message from a DMV or other state agency, demanding money, the Federal Trade Commission suggests the following: Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission at and/or file a compliant with the FBI's Internet Crime Compliant Center at 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. According to the FBI, the definition of smishing is a social engineering attack using fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to cybercriminals. "Smishing" combines "SMS"—or "short message service," and "phishing." "Phishing" generally pertains to attacks on the internet, email, or websites. Spoofing is when someone disguises an email address, sender name, phone number, or website URL — often just by just changing one letter, or a symbol, or a number — to convince you that you are interacting with a trusted source, but makes it seem otherwise familiar to the recipient. Brushing scams are a type of online fraud where sellers send unsolicited packages to individuals, although they never actually placed the order, such as through Amazon or AliExpress. Once the item is delivered, the fraudster will write a fake positive review about the product to help the seller's ratings rise, according to Mcafee. This scam also indicates that your personal information may have been compromised. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Police warn new DMV notice text message scams: What is brushing scam?
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Toll road texts could be a phishing scam says FBI
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — Texts claiming the receiver owes unpaid tolls are going around the Tri-State. Indiana State Police released a statement saying a new warning from the FBI scammers are moving from state to state with new fake text messages that claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls, using common phrases such as outstanding toll amount. 'Phishing scams are designed to create a sense of panic, catching the receiver off guard and causing them to react before thinking,' warned DMV Director Amy Anthony. 'I urge everyone to think before you click on links of any kind, especially those requesting money, payment, personal information, credit card details, social security number, or anything else that could be used negatively.' Scammers are claiming to work with E-ZPass, EZDriveMa or other road toll collection services. Authorities say the best way to avoid being a victim of a scam is to call the company directly and ask if there is an outstanding payment on a toll. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Yahoo
E-ZPass text scam targets Delaware drivers with fake toll payment messages
Delaware residents continue to be warned to watch out for a widespread text message scam targeting E-ZPass users. State officials warned residents about an ongoing text message scam targeting E-ZPass holders, following a surge in fraudulent messages demanding immediate toll payments. The scam begins with a text message that appears to be from an E-ZPass toll system, claiming the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls. The message typically includes a link and threaten higher late fees if payment isn't made immediately. But it's not the toll money scammers are after—it's your identity. Although the links appear to be from legitimate toll services, they redirect users to malicious websites designed to collect financial and personal data. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center began documenting complaints about toll-related smishing texts in early March 2024. The agency said fraudulent messages impersonate multiple road toll collection services, including E-ZPass and EZDriveMa. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, or DMV, issued a public notice in February 2025 alerting customers to the scam following a spike in reports of these fraudulent text messages. Authorities emphasized that E-ZPass Delaware never contacts customers via text or email for violation payments or account funding. DMV Director Amy Anthony cautioned that phishing scams are designed to create panic and trick recipients into acting impulsively. FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Drone roof inspections can't trigger insurance cancellation, Delaware commissioner rules Residents can report fraudulent texts through three channels: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) Report through their messaging app's spam reporting feature File a complaint with the FTC at or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center ( Officials advise that if you believe you may owe money to E-ZPass, use your usual login method to check your account directly on the official website and never through a link in a text. You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Fake E-ZPass texts target Delaware drivers in ongoing toll payment scam
