Latest news with #fraudalert
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Don't be fooled: DMV text scams expand to more states
More states are cautioning residents to be wary of text message scams claiming to come from DMVs. The texts scams pose as messages from state Departments of Motor Vehicles, or DMVs. As of Friday, June 6, Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, California, Michigan and North Carolina have warned residents about the scam. llinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia and New York previously issued advisories. The new DMV scams come hot on the tail of a string of text scams that threatened folks with unpaid toll charges. Here's what to know about the latest scam and how to report, if you receive one. More news: Over 183,000 Mazda vehicles recalled. See impacted models. While the texts vary state to state, the underlying message is the same: Residents are at risk of losing their vehicle registration and driving privileges, receive a toll booth charge increase, or see their credit score impacted, if they go not pay an outstanding traffic ticket to the state's DMV. The text message sent in Indiana includes a date penalties will begin, a fake administrative code and a list of consequences that the receiver will face if they don't pay an outstanding bill. The message also includes a link that appears to be the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. If you receive a text message from a DMV, demanding money, the Federal Trade Commission suggests the following: 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 compliant with the FBI's Internet Crime Compliant Center at The DMV text scam is an example of smishing. "Smishing" is a social engineering attack that uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to hackers, according to IBM. The term is a combination of "SMS" or short messaging service" and "phishing," an umbrella term for social engineering attacks. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Don't click that link: DMV text message scams on the rise
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
Search group warns against fake fundraiser exploiting two children missing in N.S.
Jack and Lilly Sullivan, who were reported missing from their home in Nova Scotia's Pictou County on May 2, 2025, are pictured. HALIFAX — Halifax Search and Rescue is warning against fraudsters impersonating their group who claim they'll use donated cash to search for two missing children. Paul Service, director of the volunteer organization, says a GoFundMe campaign attempted to raise $100,000 to fund a drone to search for four-year-old Jack Sullivan and six-year-old Lilly Sullivan. A large-scale search was launched for the two children after they disappeared on May 2 in Lansdowne Station, N.S., and there have been two, smaller efforts since then involving volunteer searchers. The non-profit group says it doesn't normally request donations through GoFundMe and doesn't base its campaigns on particular searches. Service says a representative from GoFundMe contacted him to say it was taking down the site and investigating after the campaign was reported on CBC. He says that it is disheartening for his group to have to cope with scams, as it may discourage the public from donating to his group's legitimate fundraising efforts. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 5, 2025.
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Search group warns against fake fundraiser exploiting missing siblings in Nova Scotia
Halifax Search and Rescue is warning against fraudsters impersonating their group who claim they'll use donated cash to search for two missing children. Paul Service, director of the volunteer organization, says a GoFundMe campaign attempted to raise $100,000 to fund a drone to search for four-year-old Jack Sullivan and six-year-old Lilly Sullivan. A large-scale search was launched for the two children after they disappeared on May 2 in Lansdowne Station, N.S., and there have been two, smaller efforts since then involving volunteer searchers. Explainer: Two Nova Scotia children are missing. Here's a timeline of key events since the siblings vanished The non-profit group says it doesn't normally request donations through GoFundMe and doesn't base its campaigns on particular searches. Service says a representative from GoFundMe contacted him to say it was taking down the site and investigating after the campaign was reported on CBC. He says that it is disheartening for his group to have to cope with scams, as it may discourage the public from donating to his group's legitimate fundraising efforts.
CTV News
20-05-2025
- CTV News
Fraudulent vehicle purchase attempted in Chatham
A 26-year-old woman is facing charges after a vehicle purchase triggered a fraud alert in a national database. Police responded on Saturday just after 1:30 p.m. Officers said the woman, from Niagara, was trying to buy a vehicle using the identity of another person, who was previously reported in a fraud incident in another police jurisdiction. The suspect is now facing charges for personation with intent (identity fraud), fraud over $5,000, and false pretense.
