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Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Don't click that link: Authorities warn of new DMV scam texts
First toll roads, and now DMVs are the entity text scammers are looking to hide behind. The latest round of text message scams pose as important messages from state Departments of Motor Vehicles, or DMVs. As of Friday, May 30, the messages had been reported in several states such as Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, New York. On Tuesday, May 27, Illinois Secretary of State Alex Giannoulias issued a warning, asking residents to be wary of text messages claiming to be from the Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles, threatening to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges if certain bills aren't paid. Here's what to know about the latest round of text scams. 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 to Illinoisans includes a date in which penalties will begin, a fake state 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 Illinois Department of Transportation website. The City of Linden, New Jersey shared in an advisory that folks may receive a text message that includes "ezpassnj" and ".gov" in the link to appear legitimate. The message, however, doesn't allow folks to click the link directly but instead prompts them to respond "Y" and copy the link to a browser. 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. No. While both types of communication may be unwarranted, smishing and messages/calls from telemarketers are different. Smishing is a cybercrime in which scammers are looking to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Telemarketers, on the other hand, is a legitimate marketing practice used to promote products or services. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DMV text message scam: Don't fall for this
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Miami-Dade officials warn of DMV text scam targeting residents
Miami-Dade officials are sounding the alarm on a growing text message scam that falsely claims to be from the DMV, warning residents that their licenses may be suspended due to unpaid tolls. Authorities say it's a phishing scheme aimed at stealing personal information and money. Fake texts claim license suspension over unpaid tolls Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez said his office has seen a surge in reports from residents who received fraudulent text messages. "These are hackers that are sending this text message to try to steal information from our residents," Fernandez said. The messages often claim the recipient must pay a fee or risk having their driver's license suspended. "I actually had a friend tell me about it at work and she fell for it," said Rowena Mendat, who shared that her friend lost hundreds of dollars after receiving such a message. "She had a text message saying that she had to pay something and if it wasn't paid that she was going to have a suspended license," Mendat said. Fernandez emphasized that the Florida DMV does not conduct license reinstatements through text messages. "The motor vehicle of the state of Florida never, never send text message to you to reinstate your driver license as a matter of fact this process need to be in person," he said. Scammers and scalpers target DMV services This scam alert comes as Florida cracks down on another issue plaguing the DMV: appointment scalpers. Scalpers attempting to sell DMV appointments can now face serious penalties following the unanimous passage of House Bill 0961 by the state legislature. "If they do that now they can be fined for $1,000 or one year in prison," Fernandez said. Meanwhile, residents like Mendat continue to struggle with the DMV system. "Just drive around Broward County until I find a DMV that will accept a walk in," she said. Fernandez added that his office is working with both state and federal authorities to track down the scammers behind the fake messages.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Denver sheriff warns residents to avoid jury duty text message scam
DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Sheriff's Department is warning about a new text message scam that targets victims by saying they are being summoned to jury duty. Major Michelle Kim told FOX31 that the scammers pose as officers of the court. Current events scams surge after death of Pope Francis 'It's a trust factor and for some can also be intimidating,' she said. The text tells victims they are required to make an appearance at Denver District Court, and even lists an address and phone number. The message warns that missing a court date may lead to a warrant for your arrest, but it offers a link for opting out. 'It can give them access to your information as well as your device,' said Kim. The scammers typically send three texts to the same person. The first says, 'Have you made plans so you can attend your court date tomorrow?' The second offers a friendly reminder, and the third, a final reminder. Kim reminds anyone receiving one of these texts that the Department would not use text messages for this type of notification. 'We at the Denver Sheriff's Department will never send a text message, we won't ever make any kind of phone calls requesting any kind of payment, and that is through the Colorado court system as well,' she said. Vision Zero plan sets 2030 goal to address driver and pedestrian safety FOX31 spoke to residents who say they are tired of being bombarded with all sorts of text message scams. 'I don't want to hear from them, it's terrible,' said one man who receives seven scam texts per day. Kim says that regardless of the type of scam text, never click on links from unknown or suspicious senders. If you receive any text or email saying you have an issue with police or the courts, contact the courts find out if you have actually received a real jury summons, contact the Colorado Jury Commissioner's Office for Denver, denverjury@ or call 303-606-2305. Report scams to the Colorado State Attorney General's office here. You may also call the Denver District Attorney's Office Fraud Hotline at 720-913-9179. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
