Latest news with #GeraldLackey
Axios
4 days ago
- General
- Axios
Scam texts say Virginians owe DMV cash. You don't.
The Virginia DMV is once again warning residents about a text scam, this one fraudulently telling Virginians they owe money for unpaid traffic tickets. Why it matters: Between bogus job offers, unsolicited homebuying queries and nonstop political announcements, it's a wonder any actual personal communication gets through to our phones. Driving the news: In the latest scam, a fraudster posing as the DMV texts that the recipient owes money for an outstanding traffic ticket and they need to pay up immediately or risk penalties, according to a warning from the DMV. The penalty, per the scammer, is a suspended driver's license and vehicle registration, a ding on one's credit report, possible criminal prosecution and, bizarrely, a 35% "toll booth" service fee. Virginians should not click on any links in the text or reply to the sender, the DMV says. Instead, recipients should use the "report junk" feature on their phone or forward it to 7726 (SPAM). What they're saying: " The DMV will never send you text messages demanding payment for fines or fees," DMV commissioner Gerald Lackey said in a statement. "We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text." Flashback: Unpaid traffic ticket messages are the latest text scam to hit Virginians. In March, there was one demanding money for unpaid tolls or E-Z Pass balances.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
TSA, Virginia DMV, team up to issue REAL IDs ahead of May deadline
RICHMOND, Va (WAVY) – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles teamed up with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Washington Dulles International Airport Monday to remind Virginia residents to get their REAL IDs ahead of the May 7 deadline. The final rule of enforcement, which was published Jan. 13, states that Virginians need to present a REAL ID or another federally-accepted document in order to board domestic flights and enter federal facilities. 'Time is ticking, and the Virginia DMV is ready to serve you,' said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. 'We recommend starting your REAL ID application online. You can easily check the required documents ahead of time and make an appointment to reserve your spot, making the whole process faster and more convenient.' In the month of March alone, the DMV has issued more than 104,000 REAL IDs to Virginia residents and 4.1 millions Virginians since October 2018. For those looking to minimize their time in line, the DMV has some tips: Start your application online to confirm you have the correct documents. Schedule an appointment for faster service. Bring the required fees – a Virginia REAL ID costs a one-time $10 fee in addition to the driver's license or ID card fee. You can click here to start your application. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Don't click that link! FTC warns of toll payment text scam
The DMV is urging residents to ignore any text directing them to pay a toll by clicking a web link. Clicking the link, the agency warned, could put drivers' personal information at risk. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Watch out for that text — it could cost you more than just a toll. Scammers posing as toll bill collectors are blasting Virginia drivers with fake payment demands via text message, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) warned this week. Phishing schemes —where fraudsters use email, texts, and calls to steal personal and financial information — were the top cyber threat in the U.S. in recent years, according to the latest FBI Internet Crime Report. Virginia was ranked 11th among states hit hardest by internet crimes, with reported losses totaling over $265,073,590 in 2023. The DMV is urging residents to ignore any text directing them to pay a toll by clicking a web link. Clicking the link, the agency warned, could put drivers' personal information at risk. 'The DMV will never send you text messages about toll bills,' said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey in a statement. 'We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text.' If you get a suspicious text about an unpaid toll, don't click — verify first. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises Virginia drivers to check directly with the state tolling agency using a verified phone number or official website, rather than relying on the contact information provided in the message. For those unsure about toll-related payments, the state offers an official hub with accurate information. The FTC also warns against responding to unexpected texts, as even a reply can signal to scammers that your number is active. To report spam messages, smartphone users can use the 'report junk' feature or forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) before deleting it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
If you got a text about a toll charge, it's likely a scam
RICHMOND (WAVY) – The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued a warning this week about a toll charge texting scam. It's likely you or someone you know got one of these texts. The message falsely claims you owe money for unpaid tolls. It includes a link, which if you click on could result in your personal information being stolen. Keith Wheelhouse in Virginia Beach shared an example of what the text looks like. He received this Wednesday. 'The DMV will never send you text messages about toll bills,' said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey. 'We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text.' Back in August, 10 On Your Side reported on VDOT issuing a similar warning about this scam. This is not just happening in Virginia. The scam is nationwide. The FBI told Nexstar that it received more than 60,000 complaints in 2024 from people reporting text messages about unpaid tolls. Beware of text messages about unpaid tolls, FBI and state authorities warn Here are some tips from the Federal Trade Commission on how to avoid falling for a text scam like this: Don't click on any links in,or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it's best to stop and check it out. Check to see if the text is legit. Reach out to the state's tolling agency using a phone number or website you know is real — not the info from the text. Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone's 'report junk' option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you've checked it out and reported it, delete the text. For more information about Virginia's toll facilities, access to your E-ZPass account, or concerns regarding a text message about toll payment, visit . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
