Latest news with #OhioBMV
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.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Ohio BMV warns drivers of scammers sending texts posing as the bureau
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles issued a warning about scam text messages claiming the recipient has unpaid traffic tickets. Recent scam texts sent to Ohioans mimic a common unpaid turnpike tolls scam that urges the recipient to pay unpaid fines or risk losing their driving privileges, having their vehicle registration suspended, paying a hefty service fee, facing prosecution, and damaging their credit score, according to the press release. Here's what to know: Is that text about your unpaid Ohio Turnpike toll a scam? Probably These texts are phishing scams designed to trick people into giving up their personal and financial information, according to the Ohio BMV. 'If you receive this text, do not fall for this scam,' Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman said in the press release. 'Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information.' Scam attempts can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at Victims of scams should contact their local law enforcement agency, according to the release. These scams are not isolated to Ohio. They are popping up all over the U.S., USA TODAY reported. There are four signs that something is a scam, according to the FTC. The scammer is pretending to be an organization or a person you know. The scammer says there is a problem you need to fix or a prize for you to claim. The scammer pressures you to act immediately before you have time to think. The scammer wants you to pay in a specific way, like with cryptocurrency, gift cards, payment apps or money-wiring services. The FTC also has a number of tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. They are: Don't give personal or financial information in response to a request you didn't expect. Legitimate organizations won't call, text or email asking for your personal information. Resist the pressure to act immediately. Anyone who pressures you to act or pay immediately is likely a scammer, according to the FTC. Never pay someone who insists you pay them with cryptocurrency, with gift cards, with a payment app or with a money wire. Also, don't deposit a check and send money back to someone. Stop and talk to someone you trust. It might help you realize you're being scammed. Breaking and Trending News Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@ and at @NathanRHart on X and at on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio BMV urges caution amid phishing grift text message scam
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Did you get a text like this? Ohio BMV warns it's a scam
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) officials want to warn you about a new text message-based scam that is trying to steal your money and driver's license information. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A criminal will send you a text message that asks you to follow a fake link and pay an outstanding traffic ticket. The message claims to be from the Ohio BMV, but the agency has confirmed that this is a phishing scam, according to a spokesperson. TRENDING STORIES: 3 new businesses coming to Huber Heights; Neighbors 'feel good' about continued development 1 dead after shooting near Fairborn apartment complex Invasive stinging insect that could cause death spotted in Ohio The Ohio BMV stated that this phishing attempt is being reported by drivers nationwide and is designed to trick people into giving up personal or financial information. '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.' You can report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting this website. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
