Latest news with #StateDepartmentofMotorVehicles
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Scammers targeting Georgia drivers with fake ticket text messages
The Brief Georgia officials are warning drivers to be on the lookout for a scam text message about phony traffic tickets. The texts usually come with a link to a fraudulent website that scammers can use to take your money and personal information. Officials say you should look out for references to Georgia's "State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)," because Georgia doesn't have that agency. Scammers are targeting Georgia drivers using threatening text messages, and officials want to make sure you don't get fooled. The Georgia Department of Driver Services is sending out a warning to watch out for a new text message scam attempting to steal money and personal information. What we know The agency posted the warning on its Facebook page, saying that they've received reports of the new scam that could be popping up in your messages. The texts look like a message from the "Georgia State Department of Motor Vehicles," saying that the recipient has an outstanding traffic ticket that needs to be paid immediately. If you don't pay, the scammers allege, you could have your license suspended or be prosecuted. The texts usually come with a link to a fraudulent website that scammers can use to take your information - including driver's license details. What they're saying "DDS employees do not contact customers to ask for payment or other confidential information. Anyone who receives such communication should consider it a scam. Customers who are pending a license suspension or other changes in their license status are notified in writing by DDS," DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon said in a statement. "Anyone who receives these — or similar — text messages should not open or respond to them and instead delete such messages immediately." Dig deeper Officials say a red flag to be on the lookout for is a reference to a "Department of Motor Vehicles." That agency does not exist in Georgia. Instead, the Peach State has a Department of Driver Services. What you can do If you are ever unsure if a message is real or not, you can reach out to your local law enforcement department for guidance. If you want to check possible outstanding tickets or your license status, you can go directly to the official site at The Source Information for this story came from a Facebook post by the Georgia Department of Driver Services and a report by FOX 5's Kaitlyn Pratt.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
GA Dept. of Driver Services warning about new text scam
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is warning drivers about a new text message scam that is attempting to steal money and personal information. DDS says the scam messages are claiming to be from from the State Department of Motor Vehicles, but Georgia does not have a DMV. Messages are asking drivers to pay outstanding tickets or risk having their license suspended. According to the department, DDS team members will never contact drivers via text for money or personal information. People who receive texts such as these, are asked not to respond. The status of Georgia Driver's Licenses can be verified at the department's official website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Rush to get a Real ID before early May deadline packs Bay Area DMV offices
The looming May 7th deadline for U.S. travelers to have a Real ID has Bay Area residents scrambling to make DMV appointments and – in some cases – facing long waits at regional offices. Travelers flying without a Real ID after that date could have a harder time getting through airport security. People without appointments were waiting up to three hours. State Department of Motor Vehicles offices in Pleasanton and Fremont are opening one hour early, every weekday except Wednesdays specifically to handle the growing number of Real ID appointments. East Bay resident Katrina Keith wasn't exactly thrilled about spending her day off sitting at the Concord DMV. "They're in the 200s and I'm at 352, so I have some time. I have some time. Hopefully they're moving faster," she said. Keith wasn't able to get an appointment, but needed to get a Real ID to fly to San Diego for her daughter's birthday without having to carry her passport. She said if she doesn't get through the line in an hour, she's leaving. "I'm ok with that, but three hours? No. I'm not staying here for three hours. It's not worth it. I will just hold onto the passport if that's the case," Keith said laughing. Jenifer and Mark Philipps took off work to bring their son in to get his Real ID. "It's spring break, his birthday is in two weeks and the one he has is going to expire, so that's it. Timing. Here we are. Who wants to go to the DMV? Nobody!" said Jenifer. Mark said he was dreading this DMV appointment more than doing his taxes and even a trip to the dentist, describing the DMV process as "painful." "This increase comes as no surprise to the DMV," said DMV spokesperson Jaime Garza. He told CBS News Bay Area the DMV anticipated seeing a rush of Real ID applications as the federal deadline got closer. "We're going to be monitoring the situation, not just in the Bay Area, but across California. And we're going to adjust the appointment availability as needed," said Garza. To get a Real ID, applicants are required to show proof of identity -- which can be a current passport or birth certificate -- as well as proof of social security number and date of birth along with two items proving residency such as a lease or utility bill. Applicants upload those documents online to save time. "Smile if you like and wait for the flash!" a DMV employee said to Melissa Anderson as she was taking a new picture for her Real ID. Anderson was lucky enough to get an appointment and said she made it in and out in less than half an hour. "I don't come to the DMV very often, so I guess it's not that bad. I've never had like a bad experience really. I know that's uncommon," Anderson said with a laugh. The only advice from the DMV staff is to just wait if at all possible to get your Real ID, especially if you already have a federally compliant ID. Applicants can also check wait times at their local DMV branch online. It estimates the time required based on time of day and if the applicant has an appointment or not. The site even provides estimated wait times at other nearby offices. Officials said they expect things to get back to normal within the next six to eight weeks.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
Hochul announces St. Pat's traffic crackdown
Increased state police and local law enforcement patrols will conducted across through St. Patrick's Day. The annual traffic safety enforcement period began Monday and will operate through Monday, St, Patrick's Day, according to a news release from Gov. Kathy Hochul's office. 'When I became governor, I promised to make New York safer for everyone,' she said. 'These traffic enforcement periods are critical to holding motorists accountable and preventing tragedies on our roadways.' State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder added, 'There is absolutely no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Put your safety and the safety of others first. Designate a sober driver to get home. The simple steps of having a plan for a safe ride saves lives.' State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, 'Through education and enforcement, the New York State Police continuously work to keep drunk and impaired drivers off the road and remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving. I thank our partners at the Department of Motor Vehicles for their shared mission in keeping New York's roads safe. This St. Patrick's Day, don't make a fatal decision that costs your life or someone else's.' In addition to DWI checkpoints, law enforcement officers will increase road patrols during the traffic enforcement period to surveil for drivers who are speeding or distracted, or those violating the 'Move Over Law,' the release stated. State police will also conduct checks at retail establishments targeting underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign. During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement campaign, officers statewide arrested 935 motorists who were DWI, issued 24,699 tickets — 4,600 of which were for speeding violations, the release stated.
