Latest news with #ComplaintCenter
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
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NC Department of Transportation warns residents of DMV text scam
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The latest DMV text scam has North Carolina officials warning residents to not fall for it. The NC Department of Transportation released a graphic detailing all the problems with the scam message. This DMV scam is the latest form of smishing that attempts to obtain revealing or sensitive information from individuals. It provides a fake link to pay the fines, creates a sense of urgency, and asks the recipient to reply 'Y' to the message, copy links into a browser, or confirm personal information. If you receive a text message from the DMV or any other state agency that demands money, the Federal Trade Commission recommends the following: Do not respond to the text or click any links. The DMV would not ask for your information or money by text. Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission at and/or file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to help your provider identify and block similar messages. Report the message on the app you are using. Look for the option to report junk or spam. You may also contact the DMV using a trusted telephone number or website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Getting Hit Hardest by Online Scams
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. There was a five-year high in terms of financial losses stemming from internet-related crime, according to an annual report released Tuesday by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Newsweek reached out to the FBI for comment. Why It Matters Cases of scams and fraud are becoming increasingly more common in the digital age, potentially wiping out retirement savings while targeting older individuals who may not be as adept with technology. The widespread effects can be devastating for both individuals and the general economy, with approximately $8.8 billion fraudulently stolen in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. What To Know The newest report, analyzing fraud on a global scale during the 2024 calendar year, showed the highest number of losses (about $16.6 billion) and the second-highest number of complaints (about 860,000). The $16.6 billion in losses is a five-year high, representing an approximate 33 percent increase compared to 2023. The 860,000 complaints, about 256,000 of which were related to actual financial loss, trail 2023's approximate 880,000 complaints. Complaints in the past five years have averaged about 836,000. There have been about 4.2 million complaints and about $50.5 billion in losses in the past five years. Complaints received by the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is celebrating the program's 25th year, have exceeded 9 million. The 2024 FBI Internet Crime Report reported over $16 billion in national losses due to a variety of scams and fraud perpetuated through investments, cryptocurrency and phishing. The 2024 FBI Internet Crime Report reported over $16 billion in national losses due to a variety of scams and fraud perpetuated through investments, cryptocurrency and phishing. 2024 FBI Internet Crime Report The top 10 U.S. states with the biggest losses in 2023 are as follows: California ($2.53 billion) Texas ($1.35 billion) Florida ($1.07 billion) New York ($903 million) Illinois ($479 million) New Jersey ($434 million) Georgia ($420 million) Pennsylvania ($400 million) Arizona ($392 million) Washington ($368 million) Residents in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Arizona also reported the most complaints. The other states in the top 10 of complaints were Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina. Individuals aged 60 and older comprised the most financial losses ($4.8 billion), as well as issued the largest number of complaints (147,127). Bitcoin coins and handcuffs lie on the keyboard of a laptop. Bitcoin coins and handcuffs lie on the keyboard of a laptop. Getty Images The top three areas of complaints stemmed from phishing/spoofing (193,407), cryptocurrency (149,686) and extortion (86,415). Nationally, the costliest schemes were reported as investment fraud ($6.57 billion), business email compromise ($2.77 billion), and tech support fraud ($1.46 billion). Investment fraud can pertain to retirement and 401k scams, or Ponzi and Pyramid schemes. Business email compromise scams target businesses or individuals working with suppliers and/or businesses that regularly perform wire transfer payments and use intrusive techniques for unauthorized transactions. Tech support fraud refers to impersonators of customer support/service. What People Are Saying B. Chad Yarbrough, FBI Operations Director for Criminal and Cyber: "As nearly all aspects of our lives have become digitally connected, the attack surface for cyber actors has grown exponentially. Scammers are increasingly using the Internet to steal Americans' hard-earned savings. And with today's technology, it can take mere taps on a keyboard to hijack networks, cripple water systems, or even rob virtual exchanges. Cryptocurrency has become an enticing means to cheat investors, launder proceeds, and engage in other illicit schemes." What Happens Next The FBI recommends that citizens remain vigilant and review consumer and industry alerts published by the IC3. Individuals or businesses who suspect being victims of internet-related crimes should immediately notify all financial institutions involved in their relevant transactions.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Yahoo
STL FBI Warns 764 network using blackmail to exploit minors
ST. LOUIS – Federal authorities want to make sure parents are aware of an online network described as violent and aimed at forcing minors and other vulnerable individuals to commit disturbing sex-related crimes or self-harm. Ashley Johnson, special agent in charge of the FBI's St. Louis Field Office, said the 764 network began years ago as an online effort to sow racial discord. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now She said the network currently uses information gathered from online connections as leverage to convince victims to commit acts that have included sexually abusing a sibling and mutilating pets. Recent prosecutions of self-identified 764 members include cases in Michigan and Kentucky. 'It shows the predators, whether online or in person, that we're serious, that they can't hide behind a keyboard,' Johnson said. 'I think that's a misconception, that we can't find you and we will find you and we're putting resources to make sure we do.' The FBI has also shared information about the 764 network to help educate the public. Johnson implores parents to be aware of anyone their minors communicate with online. 'We can't protect them from everything out there but those things that we know, we can at least have those on the radar so that they're aware,' she said. Election results: Key Illinois municipal races take shape Johnson encourages parents, teachers and community members to be mindful of some of the potential indicators victims have displayed. She shared that a sudden change in the way they dress, not paying attention to their appearance, a sudden drop in grades, withdrawal, seclusion, and depression can be potential signs to be aware of. 'If you see something, you know, we've heard that phrase, 'If you see something, say something,' but also do something,' Johnson said. Victims can report information through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at FBI Field Office or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324). Additional resources are available through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children ( or 1-800-THE LOST), including a free service known as Take It Down, which helps minor victims, even if they are now an adult, to remove or stop online sharing of nude or sexually explicit content. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
INDOT warns public of toll-related text scam
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation is aware of a tolling-related text message or 'smishing' scam targeting Hoosiers statewide. False messages appearing to come from INDOT or tolling service providers alert recipients of a 'final notice' regarding unpaid tolls and mention additional fines, late fees, suspension of vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment, and further legal action, in addition to a link for payment. Various 'smishing' scams have been ongoing since the spring of 2024. The FBI issued a warning on April 12, 2024, citing over 2,000 complaints of false text messages representing toll collection services. The agency encourages victims of fraudulent messages to report them to its Internet Crime Complaint Center at and to delete the texts.
