In recent weeks, a disturbing trend has emerged across the United States: fraudulent DMV text scams aiming to deceive citizens into disclosing personal and financial information. These cunning texts purport to be from state Departments of Motor Vehicles and claim that recipients have outstanding violations or unpaid tolls. As is typical with such scams, they threaten dire consequences like credit damage or legal prosecution if immediate payment is not made.

State Warnings and Public Concerns

State agencies in California, Florida, and New York have issued alerts about these deceitful messages, warning citizens to remain vigilant. As stated in Mashable, these scams are becoming more prevalent, with Google Trends showing increased activity in other states like Utah and Illinois. It’s apparent that the scam is gaining momentum nationally.

A particularly worrisome tactic these scammers employ is the misuse of state-specific legal terms. Many fraudulent messages reference “15C-16.003,” a legitimate Florida statute related to car insurance, despite being sent to individuals in states where such a code does not exist. This misuse aims to lend an air of authenticity to the scam.

Similarities to Previous Scams

These scams bear a striking resemblance to the E-ZPass scam texts that have plagued the public in recent months. Various reports indicate that these texts are filled with alarming phrases like “DMV Final Notice,” creating a false urgency that provokes hasty actions before individuals have time to verify the claims.

Effective Defensive Actions

The best line of defense against these scams is to ignore the unsolicited messages entirely. Refrain from clicking any links, delete the message, and report it as spam or junk. For anyone concerned about potential outstanding DMV fees, it is advisable to check directly through official state DMV websites, which offer secure ways to verify one’s status.

Do you have a tale of a scam that affected you? Share your experience by emailing [email protected] with the subject line “Safety Net,” or use their form to provide your account. Be vigilant, stay informed, and protect yourself from these intrusive fraud attempts.