Latest news with #PongXiong
CBS News
4 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Get a text from the "Minnesota DMV"? It's a fake, officials say.
State officials are warning Minnesotans that texts about unpaid traffic tickets are part of a scheme to steal personal information. The Department of Public Safety said the texts purport to be from the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN" and request payment, using "threatening language to pressure them into paying." "These messages are not only fraudulent — they're frightening," said Driver and Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong. "We understand how upsetting it can be to receive multiple threatening messages demanding payment. If you're unsure, please reach out to us directly. We're here to help protect your information and your peace of mind." The agency said not to open any links in these text messages and that it will never request payment or even broach traffic tickets via text. Anyone who has already fallen victim should report it to the FBI. Officials also recommended following these steps: Do not respond to the message or click any links. DPS and DVS will never ask for your information or money by text. Do not give money or personal information. If you think the message might be real, contact DVS through our website at Report the message as junk or spam and delete it.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Minnesota residents targeted by fake messages imitating Driver Vehicle Services
Jun. 4---- The is warning Minnesotans to be wary of any text messages from the "DMV" and requesting immediate payment. According to a news release from DPS, these fake messages claim to be from agencies such as the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN" and request immediate payment in regard to outstanding traffic tickets. The messages state if payment is not received a number of actions may be taken, including suspending driving privileges for 30 days or revoking vehicle registration. The Department of Public Safety advises those who have received these messages not to open any links to avoid having any personal information stolen. "DPS and its Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division will never send texts about outstanding traffic tickets and will never request payment through a text," according to the news release. Some residents reported receiving multiple messages in a row, with increasingly threatening language to pressure recipients into paying. "We understand how upsetting it can be to receive multiple threatening messages demanding payment. If you're unsure please reach out directly," Driver and Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong wrote in a statement "We're here to help protect your information and peace of mind." The DVS Records Division can be reached by phone at 651-296-2940. Residents can also find information they need at the DVS website at Residents who sent money or personal information after receiving these texts are advised to file a report with the FBI's
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Have a REAL ID? If not, prepare for travel delays, MAC says.
In about a month, Minnesotans who do not have a REAL ID could face extra screening and air travel delays, the Metropolitan Airports Commission says. Beginning May 7, the REAL ID Act will be enforced nationally and the Transportation Security Administration is encouraging travelers to obtain their REAL ID or prepare for delays, according to the Airports Commission, which owns and operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. 'Now is the time for anyone age 18 years and older who plans to travel after May 7 to ensure they have an acceptable form of identification once REAL ID enforcement begins,' said TSA Minnesota Federal Security Director Marty Robinson, in a news release. Passed in 2005, the REAL ID Act is intended to enhance security standards for states to issue driver's licenses and ID cards that are accepted by federal agencies. Minnesota began issuing REAL IDs on Oct. 1, 2018. The current processing time for a Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or Minnesota enhanced driver's license, which is also compliant with the new REAL ID Act, is about 45 days from application, according to the release. 'We want to make sure everyone can enjoy their travel plans this summer and beyond,' said Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Director Pong Xiong in the release. 'Minnesotans who want a REAL ID should allow enough time to have their card in hand before needing to board a plane.' As of April 1, fewer than half – 40.82% – of Minnesotans had a REAL ID, according to the DVS. To apply for a REAL ID, you must know your Social Security number and provide documentation that proves your identity, date of birth, legal U.S. presence and current Minnesota residency. Most commonly, Minnesotans provide a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill. For a Class D REAL ID-compliant license, expect to pay $46, or $41 if you're renewing, according to the DVS. To renew to a REAL ID-compliant identification card, those 65 and older should expect to pay $27. If you decide not to get a REAL ID, you can still pass through airport security with your driver's license, passport and boarding pass, according to Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. If you do not have a passport, you can find alternative accepted documentation at For more information on TSA airport security screening requirements, visit Passenger flight to MSP and Air Force jet diverted from potential collision at DC airport Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport upgrading snow removal equipment FBI: Hoax by two young children responsible for diverted Sun Country flight to Mexico MSP Sun Country Airlines flight diverted, no threat found Passenger from Minnesota files lawsuit after Delta crash in Toronto
