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  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 22, 2026 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: dmv, , , ,   

    DMV Text & Email Scams Are Spreading State by State Again 

    DMV Text & Email Scams Are Spreading State by State

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers posing as state Departments of Motor Vehicles are once again flooding phones and inboxes across the country, using fear, urgency, and official-sounding language to trick people into handing over money and personal information.

    Recent warnings from officials in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Illinois all describe nearly identical schemes, and the red flags are remarkably consistent.

    This is not a coincidence. It’s a coordinated scam pattern.

    What’s Going On

    Residents in multiple states are receiving texts or emails claiming to be from their state DMV, warning of:

    • An unpaid parking ticket or vehicle fee
    • Impending license suspension
    • Loss of vehicle registration or driving privileges
    • Additional penalties, fees, or “enforcement” starting on a specific date

    The messages typically include a link and pressure recipients to act immediately.

    Officials in all three states are clear:
    These messages are scams.

    How the Scam Works

    The scam relies on a few predictable tactics:

    1. Authority impersonation
      Messages appear to come from a state DMV or Secretary of State’s office.
    2. Urgency and fear
      Threats of suspended licenses, revoked registrations, fines, or legal consequences are meant to override skepticism.
    3. Payment links
      Victims are directed to fraudulent websites designed to harvest:
      • Credit card numbers
      • Banking details
      • Personal identifying information
    4. Legal-sounding language
      Some messages falsely claim that “enforcement has begun” or cite made-up penalties to sound legitimate.

    Red Flags

    Across all three states, officials highlighted the same warning signs:

    • DMVs do not collect payments by text or email
    • DMVs do not send links demanding payment
    • Threats of immediate suspension are a classic scam tactic
    • Messages demanding action “today” or “before enforcement begins” are suspicious
    • Any request for payment or personal information via text is a red flag

    In North Carolina, officials also warned about scam links ending in “.cc,” which are not associated with state or local government websites.

    What Your State DMV Will Never Do

    According to officials in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Illinois:

    • They will never:
      • Text or email demanding money
      • Send payment links
      • Threaten license suspension by text
      • Request personal or financial information electronically

    In Illinois, the Secretary of State emphasized that the only texts his office sends are appointment reminders and nothing else.

    If You’ve Been Targeted

    If you get a DMV-related text or email like this:

    1. Do not click any links
    2. Do not respond
    3. Do not provide personal or financial information
    4. Report the message as spam
    5. Delete it

    If you’re genuinely concerned about a ticket or fee, contact your state DMV directly using an official website or publicly listed phone number and never the contact information in the message itself.

    Illinois officials also recommend reporting these scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

    The Big Picture

    What’s happening here isn’t a one-off scam; it’s a template.

    Once scammers find a message that works, they replicate it across states, changing only the agency name and local details. The goal is volume: send enough messages, and someone will click.

    The good news is that the defenses are simple:

    • Slow down
    • Be skeptical
    • Verify independently

    No legitimate DMV business is conducted through threatening text messages.

    Final Thoughts

    If a message claims to be from the DMV and demands money by text or email, it’s a scam, full stop.

    When in doubt, ignore the message and go directly to your state’s official DMV website or phone number.

    Further Reading

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: dmv, , , ,   

    Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert! 

    Fake Traffic Ticket Text Scam Alert!

    By Greg Collier

    If your phone buzzed with a text claiming you owe an “outstanding traffic ticket” and need to pay immediately—stop right there. This isn’t a real notice from the state. It’s a phishing scam designed to steal your money and personal information, and it’s making another round through Illinois after spreading nationwide earlier this year.

    These messages pretend to come from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles” (which doesn’t actually exist) and try to scare you with words like “final notice,” “enforcement,” and “credit score impact.” In reality, they’re just digital bait—complete with typos like “November 5rd” and “November 4nd.”

    What’s Going On:

    The scam follows a familiar pattern: a fake text threatens registration suspension, prosecution, or fines if you don’t pay within 24 hours. It urges you to click a link to resolve your “ticket.” Officials across Illinois have confirmed these messages are not legitimate, and similar versions have hit phones across the U.S. in recent months.

    Why It Works:

    Scammers know that fear makes people act fast. A sudden threat to your license or credit score can make even cautious people click before they think. That single tap can lead to a spoofed site that captures your driver’s license number, banking details, or other private information.

    Red Flags:

    • References to the “Illinois DMV”—a department that doesn’t exist.
    • Typos and awkward grammar, like “5rd” or “4nd.”
    • Urgent threats of suspension or legal action within 24 hours.
    • Links to unknown websites asking for payment or verification.

    Quick Tip: Traffic tickets are handled through local courts, not through the state’s DMV or Secretary of State. You’ll always receive legitimate notices by mail, not by text message.

    What You Can Do:

    • Do not click any links.
    • Delete the message immediately.
    • Report it to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov) or FBI’s IC3 (ic3.gov).
    • If you’re unsure, check your record through your state’s Secretary of State website.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you already clicked the link or entered personal information, act fast:

    • Contact your bank or credit card company to freeze or monitor your accounts.
    • Change any passwords that might have been compromised.
    • Run a malware scan on your phone or computer.
    • Report the scam to the FTC and FBI so others don’t fall for it. Even if you didn’t enter any information, deleting and reporting the message helps prevent scammers from targeting others.

    Final Thoughts:

    These scammers are recycling an old nationwide con—now dressed up with bad grammar and fake urgency. Don’t take the bait. The government won’t text you demanding money, and “November 5rd” isn’t a real date.

    Stay smart, stay skeptical, and keep your personal info out of scammers’ hands.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: dmv, , , , State Code 15C-16.003,   

    Fake DMV Texts Cite Bogus Laws 

    By Greg Collier

    A phishing scam that has been circulating in multiple states is continuing to evolve, with a new variation citing a fictitious state code to lend credibility to fraudulent messages. The scam targets drivers by sending official-looking texts that claim the recipient owes traffic fines or faces legal penalties, such as license suspension or damage to their credit score.

    The latest version of the scam has appeared in Illinois, California, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Tennessee. In each instance, recipients receive alarming messages that appear to come from a state motor vehicle agency. The messages often claim that an outstanding traffic ticket needs to be paid immediately or that the ticket will be referred to a toll agency for an additional fee. A recent variation includes a fabricated code, such as “State Code 15C-16.003,” to make the warning seem more legitimate. This code has no basis in any actual state law.

    These text messages usually contain a link that, when clicked, leads to a fake website designed to steal personal or financial information. In some cases, the scam also involves spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from law enforcement agencies or government offices. These tactics are intended to pressure recipients into taking immediate action without verifying the source.

    State agencies across the country have issued warnings to residents, clarifying that they do not send text messages demanding payment or threatening legal action. Official notices regarding traffic violations or unpaid fines are typically sent by mail. Payments are usually made through secure state websites, not through third-party links sent via text.

    To avoid falling victim to this scam, drivers are advised not to respond to unexpected text messages, especially those that include suspicious links or legal threats. Instead, they should verify the legitimacy of any message by contacting their state’s department of motor vehicles or public safety office directly. Residents who believe they have received a fraudulent message are encouraged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission or their state’s consumer protection office.

    This scam has persisted for months and continues to adapt. The inclusion of a fictitious legal code is the latest effort to deceive and pressure recipients. Remaining cautious and informed is essential to protecting personal information and avoiding financial loss.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 29, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: dmv, , , ,   

    Fake DMV Texts Are the New Nationwide Scam 

    By Greg Collier

    A new phishing scam is spreading across the country, targeting drivers with fraudulent text messages that appear to come from official motor vehicle departments. These messages claim the recipient has unpaid traffic fines and threaten license suspension or other penalties unless immediate action is taken. In reality, these texts are not from any legitimate agency and are designed to steal personal and financial information.

    In Georgia, the messages reference a nonexistent Department of Motor Vehicles and warn about suspended driving privileges unless payment is made. Officials in that state have clarified that there is no state DMV and that real agencies, like the Department of Driver Services, do not use text messages for these purposes.

    In Illinois, the scam texts include specific legal codes, threatening prosecution and credit score damage. The messages cite fake administrative laws and demand payment through a fraudulent link. State officials have warned that such texts are not a legitimate form of communication for any action involving traffic violations or license status.

    Louisiana drivers have received similar texts claiming they owe fines. The state’s Office of Motor Vehicles confirmed these messages are not legitimate and has issued warnings advising residents not to click on any links. Officials say these scams are part of a broader phishing campaign that could also lead to malware infections or identity theft.

    This wave of fake DMV text messages appears to be the latest version of the toll scam texts that circulated widely earlier this year. In those cases, scammers pretended to represent toll agencies and used a similar strategy of creating urgency to push recipients into making fake payments. The transition to impersonating motor vehicle departments suggests that scammers are adapting their tactics to stay ahead of public awareness.

    These scams exploit common anxieties about driving privileges, legal consequences, and unpaid fines. By mimicking the language and tone of government agencies, the messages aim to pressure individuals into quick action before they have time to verify the source. In each case, the fraudulent messages include links to sites that harvest sensitive data or install harmful software.

    As this scam continues to appear in multiple states, it highlights the importance of being cautious with any unsolicited message, especially those requesting immediate payment or personal information. Motor vehicle agencies generally communicate through secure channels and do not use text messages to issue threats or collect fines. Drivers are encouraged to verify any suspicious message by contacting their local agency directly.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 24, 2021 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , buskers, dmv, , , , violin scam,   

    Scam Round Up: The violin scam and more 

    By Greg Collier

    As we move into the holiday weekend, here are three more scams that you should be aware of.

    ***

    Most of us have seen street musicians known as buskers. They’re performing out on the street with a hat or an open guitar case, where people can leave tips if they enjoy the performance. I’m sure you’re wondering what could be scammy about that? It seems that there are several people from around the country have been using busking to trick people into giving them money. They appear to be playing a violin that’s hooked up to an amplifier, along with a sign that says they need money for food or rent. Here is one such episode from the state of New York. The phony violin players are actually pretending to play the violin, while the actual music comes from a recording. Some of these phony buskers will even list their Venmo or Cash App accounts, so you can donate to them electronically. If you see one of these fake musicians, you should just avoid them and not give them money.

    ***

    It seems the brushing scam has also picked up during the holiday season. This is where someone will receive items from a site like Amazon that they didn’t order. In most brushing cases. This is done so the seller of the item can post a positive review of the product using the victim’s name as a verified purchase. While you can keep anything you receive as part of a brushing scam, the goods are usually not worth keeping. In some instances, like this one, the Amazon account of the recipient has been compromised and is being charged for the items they receive. If you start receiving items you didn’t order, check your Amazon account for fraudulent activity and change your password.

    ***

    Lastly, residents in the state of Wisconsin have been receiving text messages claiming to be from the state’s DMV. The texts are requesting that residents follow a link to confirm personal information. However, the texts are also threatening residents with a suspension of their license if they don’t comply. No state is going to threaten their residents with suspension of their driver’s license for not following a text link. Not only that, but identity thieves can do a lot with your driver’s license number if they already have some of your other personal information. It’s almost as valuable as your Social Security number.

    ***

    Thank you for reading, and here’s hoping our readers have a safe and happy holiday.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 23, 2019 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , dmv, , ,   

    Even your church can be scammed! 

    Even your church can be scammed!

    Once again, we’re here to bring you the latest in scams that you should look out for.

    This week, we start off with a scam that has affected a number of churches in America. The latest area to be hit with this scam is Fargo, North Dakota where parishioners have been receiving messages claiming to be their local priest. The messages sent through an app designed to inform churchgoers of church news has been hijacked and is asking for donations to be made through gift cards. Any kind of transaction asked to be made through gift cards are usually a scam as the gift cards can be virtually untraceable.

    Our next scam is another romance scam that cast a very wide net. According to the Des Moines Register, someone took out a print ad with their paper claiming to be a 57-year-old man looking for someone to marry. However, the same as has appeared in several other newspapers across the country. As with most romance scams, this ad was more than likely placed with the hope of trying to con money out of a vulnerable victim. The Register pulled the ad after they investigated the source of the ad.

    Lastly, in North Carolina, the State Attorney General is warning people there not to fall for phony DMV sites. He says that there are websites popping up that mimic the DMV’s official website. These sites could either be offering services for a fee that the DMV does for free or they could be trying to steal your personal information. You should always use your state’s official DMV website which usually has a ‘.gov’ address.

     

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