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CNET
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- CNET
The DMV Isn't Texting You To Ask for Money. That's a Scam
CNET/Getty Images Nobody likes waiting in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles. But it could be worse. You could be scammed out of money by someone pretending to text you from the DMV. There's a growing nationwide trend of cybercriminals trying to convince people that they owe the DMV money for a traffic violation via text. If you don't pay, they threaten to revoke your license or suspend your vehicle registration. "There's usually some sort of urgent action required in order to avoid having your license cancelled," said Charlie Norman, the state registrar of motor vehicles at the Ohio Department of Public Safety. "We saw it recently [in a scam] on unpaid toll notices. Individuals are being urged to click on a link. It's a phishing attempt to get your personal information." The rise in DMV scams isn't surprising to Allison Miller, founder of Cartomancy Labs, an advisory firm that works with cybersecurity and software development companies. Many DMVs that have gone digital and now text their customers important information, making it an easy target for scammers. DMV scam texts have recently been sent to people in Indiana, Ohio, Maine and Texas -- but they can happen in any state. Make no mistake -- there is only one goal: To fill the pockets of your unfriendly neighborhood scammer. What do DMV scam texts look like? There are different types of DMV text scams, but they all share similarities. Above all, they'll try to create a sense of urgency to get you to respond before you can second-guess the text "These texts follow the same pattern, the threatening tone, the abnormal sense of urgency to complete a task, so if you don't do this, then this happens," said Norman. For instance, some DMV texts have been warning the recipients that if they don't pay their fine, their vehicle registration will soon be suspended, driving privileges will vanish for 30 days and many of the texts warn of a "transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee," which doesn't even make sense. Transfer to a toll booth? The scam text might even cite an ordinance or code that seems legitimate. For instance, official-looking language in the text, like, "in accordance with North Carolina State Administrative Code 15C-16.003..." That specific code, actually, shows up in a lot of DMV scam texts, no matter what the state. In many cases, like in Georgia, the code doesn't exist. In Florida, the code is real, and it does have to do with vehicles, but it's related to how individuals or businesses maintain them. Many of the texts also warn that if you don't pay up, you will go to jail and your credit score will be affected. You'll be given a link to click on where you can pay and relieve all of this stress. Though if you actually click it, instead you'll deal with the stress of having given a criminal your money and possibly your personal or banking information. "Scammers likely find the most success when they impersonate large entities with many clients," said Miller. It's easier for the scammer that way, Miller explained, because they don't have to do any research on their target if they simply send out a mass scam text. How to avoid falling for a DMV scam The best way to not fall for these scams is to ignore any text that comes in with a link. That's the obvious first step. If you get one of these texts, "do not click on the link, just delete the text," Norman said. But that's easier said than done, since your DMV may text you. Norman can't speak for all state DMVs, but he said that in Ohio, you aren't going to get a text from the DMV that will be demanding money that you owe. "We do have texts that we will send out, but in every circumstance, it's a text that you've signed up for," Norman said. "For instance, you've requested a reminder to renew your driver's license or your registration. And we'll never send one asking for personal information." You should also be on the lookout for inconsistencies. For example, although DMV is the most commonly used acronym for the Department of Motor Vehicles, many states have different names for this government agency. In Arizona and New Mexico, it's referred to as the Motor Vehicle Division or MVD while in Indiana it's the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or BMV. If you live in a state that doesn't refer to this center as "DMV," it's more likely to be a scam. If you think the text seems legitimate, don't click the link. instead, log into your online account or reach out to the DMV by phone, email or in person to confirm. "It's a good idea to mentally press pause, and open up a fresh browser window to go find the main, legitimate site, or app, if you know for sure it's legit," said Miller. She added that if the website allows you to login, you can likely get any important notifications and check any balance owed there. What to do if you've fallen for a DMV scam Norman said that so far, he knows of nobody who has fallen for the DMV text scam, but he does receive phone calls from people asking if the texts are legitimate. If you suspect you fell for a DMV scam, here's what you should do: Report the scam "You can report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission," Norman said. The FTC keeps track of scams, and the only way they can work to stop them is if they are aware of them. Norman added that if you've lost money to a text scam, you'll need to do more than go to the FTC: "If you havebeen a victim, we encourage people to contact their local law enforcement." Fortify your finances If you're unsure if you gave out any personal information -- maybe you clicked on the link but immediately came to your senses and left the website -- you may want to contact your bank to ask them to be on the lookout for any weird activity. Or you might want to subscribe to an ID theft protection and monitoring service if you're worried about scammers possibly having sensitive personal information of yours, like your Social Security number. Always think before you click DMV scams are likely stick around, so be vigilent. Norman said that about 10 minutes after CNET contacted him for an interview, his father sent him a screenshot of a DMV text, telling him he owed money for a traffic violation. "Dad, it's a scam," Norman said. "I knew it was," his father replied. "I just wanted to make sure you knew about this." But if everyone who thought about clicking on these links ran the suspicious text by someone else first, to get a second opinion, there would likely be far fewer scam victims.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
How one woman nearly fell for court, BMV ticket scam
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Many Ohioans have recently received texts or calls from people claiming to be the Ohio BMV or county courts. Officials said these are scams, but if you don't know what to look for, they can seem legitimate. Fire engine shortage felt nationwide, not just Columbus The most recent text allegedly from the BMV said the recipient had an outstanding parking or traffic ticket and if they didn't pay it immediately, their driver's license could be suspended or they could be prosecuted. Ohio State Registrar Charlie Norman said this BMV scam is happening nationwide. It comes shortly after many people received texts that were allegedly from the Ohio Turnpike about unpaid tolls. 'The BMV is never going to send you a text asking for personal information or demanding payment,' Norman said. 'It's just not something we do.' These are just a few examples of the most recent text scams and they always have that sense of urgency. The Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio said scammers are getting more sophisticated. Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of Columbus shopkeeper 'I think we're so used to just like paying things from our phone that it's easy for us,' Lee Anne Lanigan with the Better Business Bureau said. 'We think if we click the link, we're going to get more information and we're going to be able to take care of this right away.' A woman in Delaware said she nearly fell victim to a scam over the phone. Holly LeMay said someone called her claiming to be from the Delaware County courts, saying she missed jury duty and there was a warrant out for her arrest. The person on the phone, claiming to be a sergeant, sent LeMay a website where she was asked to upload her driver's license. 'It had my name, it had a court case on it, it looked very legitimate,' LeMay said. 'It had, you know, the emblem of the federal government in the corner and it had court fees and find your court and your juror. It was over $12,000 that they wanted. At that point, I started panicking because I don't have $12,000 to throw into a bond.' State, federal cannabis changes threaten Ohio festival's future LeMay ended up calling the Delaware County court system herself to check. She said they told her they've been dealing with these jury duty scammers for years, adding that the scam LeMay reported looked very legitimate. 'When I realized that it was a scam, after that, I felt incredibly raw,' she said. 'I was very, just, scared. I felt dumb. I felt like I had just been completely bamboozled.' Whether someone is texting or calling, saying you owe money, the BBB said you should always double-check the alleged government agency's website to see if you actually missed jury duty or owe money on a parking ticket. LeMay said she's been warning everyone she sees about what almost happened to her. 'Just make sure you're careful and pay attention because it doesn't take long and they're getting really, really good at it,' she said. The BBB said to avoid being scammed, keep in mind that a government agency will never text you, don't trust an urgent message with links, verify a potential bill on your own and be on the lookout for mistakes. Pride on High viewing area to benefit Columbus LGBTQ+ groups If you think you may have fallen victim to a text or call scam, the BBB said you should contact your bank and your local law enforcement agency to get this taken care of immediately. For more tips from the Better Business Bureau on avoiding scams, visit the bureau's website. The bureau also breaks down specifically how scammers target people about jury duty: read that information by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Ohio BMV ticket text scam targets drivers state. See the texts, how to report scam messages
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has issued a warning about scammers using text messages to impersonate the agency. The messages, claiming to be from the BMV, threaten legal action while ordering recipients to pay fake outstanding traffic tickets in order to collect sensitive information. BMV says it received multiple reports from Ohioans who received text messages instructing them to pay traffic tickets immediately to avoid a license suspension. The phishing or "smishing" attempt is part of a broader issue that's affecting people nationwide. Here's how to protect yourself. Ohioans have been receiving text messages with a fake "final notice" directing them to immediately pay an outstanding traffic ticket. Included in the text messages are suspicious links. The message also lists deadlines and consequences for not paying by the dates, such as suspended driving privileges and vehicle registration. BMV warns that this is a scam and not from the agency. "If you receive this text, do not fall for this scam,' said Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman in a statement. 'Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information.' Do not click any links and delete the text message. The BMV says that Ohioans can report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting and advises you to contact your local law enforcement agency if you believe you have been a victim of a scam. If you receive a text message from a DMV in Ohio or elsewhere demanding money, the Federal Trade Commission also suggests the following, per USA TODAY: 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 and/or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at Text messages claiming to be from the Ohio BMV are likely to be scam texts. The Bureau states that it will never contact you via text to seek payment for tickets or other fees. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio BMV warns of scam texts over traffic tickets. What they look like
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
‘Outstanding parking ticket': Ohio BMV warns of new phishing text scam
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has issued a warning against a widespread phishing scam in which residents are getting text messages from fraudsters claiming to be BMV officials. In a press release, Ohio BMV said the department has received multiple complaints about the texting scam. The phishing scam tricks residents into sharing their personal or financial information by threatening immediate suspension of their license. The residents of the US state have reported receiving alarming text messages from fraudsters, who pose as officials of Ohio BMV. The recipients are falsely informed about outstanding traffic tickets in their names. The message instructs them to immediately pay the money claiming that otherwise their license will get suspended. Ohio BMV said the phishing attempt has been reported by drivers nationwide and has been designed specifically to trick the residents of the state. The fake message from the scammers refer to a fabricated legal code, 'Ohio State State Administrative Code 15C-16.003'. The text features a suspicious payment link that resembles the official government web address. Besides license suspension, the scammers have even threatened registration suspension and prosecution. Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman has urged people to not fall for the phishing scam. 'Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information,' Norman said in a statement. Those who have received the messages can report to the Federal Trade Commission through the official website at The victims of the fraud must immediately get in touch with their local law enforcement agency. Shockingly, the scam is not just limited to Ohio and has been reported in other states, too. Officials in Michigan have also issued a warning about the scam. Residents in the US state have been asked to get in touch with the Michigan Department of Attorney General for more information or to file a complaint. No. It does not send texts demanding payment or requesting personal information. Verify suspicious messages through official channels for payment notices. Residents are getting fraud texts asking them to pay the outstanding traffic ticket to avoid having their license suspended.
Mint
10-06-2025
- Mint
Scam Alert: Ohio BMV warns of widespread text scam targeting drivers with fake traffic ticket threats
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has issued a warning to residents about a widespread text messaging scam falsely claiming to be from the BMV. The phishing campaign is designed to trick Ohioans into providing personal or financial information by threatening immediate license suspension over fake traffic tickets. Ohioans have reported receiving alarming text messages claiming to be from the "Ohio Department of Vehicles (BMV)." The message falsely warns recipients that they have unpaid traffic tickets and demands immediate payment to avoid suspension of driving privileges and other penalties. The fraudulent message references a fabricated legal code — 'Ohio State State Administrative Code 15C-16.003' — and includes a suspicious payment link resembling an official government web address. Scammers also threaten additional consequences such as registration suspension, prosecution, and negative credit impact. The message urges victims to act quickly, with shifting deadlines that move forward daily — a classic red flag in phishing attempts. 'If you receive this text, do not fall for this scam,' said Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman. 'Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information.' The scam is not limited to Ohio. Residents in other states have reported identical messages with only the state name altered, indicating a nationwide phishing operation. The fraudulent texts often come from foreign or spoofed numbers, falsely impersonate local agencies, and use threatening legal jargon to pressure recipients into clicking links. Authorities urge Ohioans to: Delete the message immediately Do not click any links or reply to the message Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at Contact local law enforcement if personal or financial information was shared The BMV and Ohio Turnpike are reminding residents to always verify suspicious messages and to rely on official government communication channels for payment notices.
