Latest news with #SteveGordon
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning issued in 5 US states over text scam stealing bank accounts: Delete these messages NOW
Millions of Americans are being hit by a dangerous wave of fake text messages that appear to come from official Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. The messages, which first surfaced in May 2025, claim recipients owe an unpaid fine or toll and urge them to resolve the issue by clicking a link. That link leads to a counterfeit website designed to steal sensitive personal information, including bank logins, Social Security numbers, and phone credentials. Officials say the scam is spreading swiftly across several states, with California, New York, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois among the hardest hit. Alexi Giannoulias, the Secretary of State of Illinois, warned: 'Don't be fooled by phony text messages threatening 'suspension of driving privileges.' The attacks, known as smishing (SMS phishing), have grown more convincing than ever. Scammers are now using AI-generated language and domain spoofing to build fake websites that closely mimic official government portals. In New York, traffic attorney James Medows said he's seen a rise in clients who unknowingly paid fake citations. 'These scams work because they feel urgent and personal,' he said. 'A real DMV ticket won't come with threats over text. Always confirm through the DMV before clicking anything.' California DMV Director Steve Gordon issued a statewide alert after residents reported receiving scam texts claiming unpaid tolls. 'These messages looked like they came from us,' Gordon said. 'The safest way to respond is to visit our official website or call our contact center directly.' The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has also confirmed similar reports. Victims are told their driver's license or registration will be suspended unless they pay a fraudulent fee through a link provided in the message. In response, local governments, including the New York City Council, are calling for widespread public awareness campaigns to help residents recognize and report scam tactics. 'Legitimate government agencies will rarely, if ever, contact you by text message for sensitive matters,' officials warned. Although Georgia has no official DMV, scammers are spoofing the Department of Driver Services (DDS). The texts use near-identical domains to trick residents into clicking links. The attack, called smishing (SMS phishing), involves text messages designed to look like they're from local DMV or toll authorities Commissioner Angelique McClendon said in a statement: 'DDS employees do not contact customers to ask for payment or other confidential information.' In Illinois, messages claim to be from a fake 'Illinois State DMV' and threaten to revoke vehicle registration. Officials clarified the state only sends text reminders for scheduled appointments, not license or registration updates. Secretary Giannoulias is urging residents to delete the messages and report them immediately. The FTC says smishing now ranks among the top causes of fraud, contributing to the $12 billion in consumer losses reported in 2024. Many of these attacks rely on domain names like or designed to look trustworthy. Because these messages are often generated using AI, they are free of the grammar and spelling errors that once signaled a scam. Investigators believe much of the operation is run from overseas, making prosecution difficult. The FCC recommends registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Officials urge reporting suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) or filing a report at
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Don't click that link: DMV warns of fake registration discount on social media
( — Many California residents have reported seeing scam social media advertisements offering to help them renew vehicle registrations at discounted rates. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the state prohibits DMV from offering discounted vehicle registration renewals. Officials are warning Californians to avoid advertisements that claim to provide discounted DMV services. Davis PD seeks help in identifying man who tore down Israeli flag 'The DMV does not offer discounts on vehicle registration renewals and will never ask for payment or personal information through unofficial channels,' DMV authorities said. Officials stated that the recent scam was on a social media post that was offering 50% off vehicle registration renewal fees. The post was requesting payment through an online payment app and asked customers to send their license plate numbers. 'The safest way to renew your vehicle registration is directly through the official DMV website,' said DMV Director Steve Gordon. 'We do not offer discounts, and we never conduct official business through social media or other unofficial channels.' DMV officials want to remind the public to always use the DMV business online at the official DMV website or through an authorized business that is listed in the official Business Partner Automation program for vehicle registration and title services. The DMV is offering some steps to reduce the chances of falling victim to online scams: Avoid offers for discounted DMV services: The DMV does not offer special deals through unauthorized third parties or on social media. Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts: If you receive a message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply. Verify the source: If you are unsure, always contact the DMV through official channels. Call the DMV if you have concerns: The DMV customer service team is available to help you at 800-777-0133. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
California DMV warns of new vehicle registration support scam
Above: FOX 5 report on how to get a REAL ID in California. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The California Department of Motor Vehicles is urging drivers to be wary of a new online scam offering assistance to renew vehicle registration at a discounted rate. DMV officials say the latest scam uses social media posts to advertise help that could save people up to 50% on vehicle registration renewal fees. Those who respond are asked to give their license plate, Vehicle Identification Number and the customer's full name, as well as to make a payment through an online platform like CashApp. System error may have affected traffic court notices in California. Are you impacted? According to the department, requests for these details or payments will never be made through unofficial channels. They further encourage drivers to only conduct business with the DMV or with an authorized business through the Business Partner Automation Program. A list of businesses that participate in this program can be found on the DMV's website. An example of what the advertisement looks like can be found below. 'The safest way to renew your vehicle registration is directly through the official DMV website,' DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a release earlier this month. 'We do not offer discounts, and we never conduct official business through social media or other unofficial channels.' To avoid falling victim to this scam and others that have been circulating in recent months, the DMV encourages Californians to take these precautions: Steer clear of offers offering discounted DMV services — the department does not offer special deals through unauthorized third-parties or on social media. Do not respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts. Verify the source if you are unsure whether something you come across is official or if you have concerns. Officials encourage Californians do this by contacting the department's customer service team at 800-777-0133. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
DMV warns of discounted registration renewal scams on social media. How to avoid the con
Social media users are being warned not to fall for a fake online advertisement that is posing as the California Department of Motor Vehicles and offering registration renewal services at a discounted price. Residents have reported seeing deceptive social media advertisements claiming to renew a vehicle registration at a 50% discount, the DMV said on Wednesday. Fact check: State law prohibits the DMV from offering discounted vehicle registration renewals. The deceptive advertisement asks for personal information, including your full name, license plate number, and the last five digits of the vehicle registration number. To take advantage of the supposed service, you're asked to pay through the peer-to-peer transaction service Cash App. Read more: Real ID brings confusion and surprise but relatively few problems at SoCal airports Fact check: The DMV will never ask for personal information or payment through unofficial channels such as social media sites and transaction applications. To make a payment to the state department for your vehicle registration renewal, you can: Make an online payment through your personal account on the DMV website. Visit a DMV kiosk. Make an appointment at a DMV office. 'The safest way to renew your vehicle registration is directly through the official DMV website,' said DMV Director Steve Gordon in a statement. The DMV advises that you take these steps to avoid this recent online scam: Avoid engaging with any offers of discounted DMV services. The DMV does not offer special deals through unauthorized third parties or on social media. Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious messages. If you receive a direct message asking for personal or financial information, do not reply. Verify the source of the post, message or advertisement. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of an online post, you can contact the DMV by calling (800) 777-0133. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Colton Gordon grew up a huge Rays fan. Monday, he pitches against them
Colton Zimring Gordon was a fervid Rays fan growing up between his parents' homes in the St. Petersburg and Bradenton areas. He went to his first game at 7 months old and averaged 25-30 a year for a while. Advertisement 'We've always been Rays fans,' his father, Steve, said Sunday. 'He was the kid always chasing foul balls all game. After games, he'd beg me to take him to the parking lot so he could get autographs. He attended three of their summer camps and was in one of their TV spots.' All that allegiance will be pushed aside Monday night. Gordon, who made his major-league debut Wednesday with the Astros, will get his second start against the Rays. Some 50-70 relatives, friends and former coaches are expected to be in the stands at Steinbrenner Field to watch the left-hander take the mound. 'This is really, really exciting,' Steve Gordon said. 'It's just crazy.' Advertisement Colton dreamed of playing in the majors since the third grade, and Steve said he made it his goal to provide every opportunity to help make it happen. That included St. Petersburg's Fossil Park Little League program, travel ball with the Tampa Terror and Florida Burn (under the coaching of former Rays reliever Mark Guthrie), and Lakewood Ranch High. Colton committed to Florida and redshirted his first year. Seeking a greater opportunity for the next season than the Gators offered, he switched to Hillsborough Community College, playing on the community field adjacent to where the Astros and Rays will meet Monday. He ended up at UCF, where he worked through Tommy John surgery and recovery, and made himself into a pro prospect. With his family hoping the Rays would draft him in 2021, Gordon went in the eighth round to the Astros. He worked his way through their system, with the added benefit of pitching for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Advertisement Gordon was 4-0 with a 2.55 ERA in eight starts for Triple-A Sugar Land this season before he was summoned by the Astros. He worked into the fifth inning of his debut Wednesday against the Royals, allowing three runs. Now, he's returning home as the major-leaguer he'd wanted to be since age 10. 'It's so exciting,' Steve Gordon said, 'to see your son reach his goal.' • • • Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida. Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports. Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X and Facebook.
