If you’ve recently gotten a text message from “the DMV” or a toll agency claiming you owe money or face a license suspension, hold up — this might be a scam. The DMV phone scam sweeping the nation is targeting millions of Americans every day, trying to trick folks into clicking fake links and handing over sensitive personal information.
This scam, often called “smishing” (a blend of SMS and phishing), uses urgent messages that look real but are designed to steal your money or identity. It’s getting so widespread that even the FBI and state DMVs are issuing warnings to keep people safe.
DMV Phone Scam Alert
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scam Type | Smishing (SMS Phishing) |
| Common Targets | Drivers across multiple U.S. states |
| Tactics Used | Urgent text messages with fake links asking for payment or personal info |
| Reported Incidents | Thousands of complaints nationwide, including California and Texas |
| Official DMV Position | DMV agencies never ask for payments or personal info via text |
| How to Protect | Do not click links, verify through official DMV contacts, report suspicious messages |
The DMV phone scam is a growing threat targeting millions of Americans with fake texts demanding money and personal information. By understanding how these scams work and staying vigilant, you can avoid falling victim and help protect your friends and family too.
Always remember: The DMV will never ask for payments or sensitive info via text messages. When in doubt, verify through official channels and report suspicious activity promptly. Stay smart, stay safe, and keep your personal info locked down — no scammer should ever catch you slipping.
What Is the DMV Phone Scam?
The DMV phone scam is a type of fraud where scammers send text messages pretending to be your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or toll authorities. These messages usually warn of unpaid tolls, license suspensions, or fines — and they push you to act fast by clicking a link.
But here’s the catch: those links don’t lead to official DMV websites. Instead, they take you to fake payment portals or websites designed to grab your credit card info, Social Security number, or other personal data.
In many cases, the messages even look legit — using logos, official-sounding language, and phone numbers that seem real. That’s what makes this scam so dangerous.
Why Is This Scam So Successful?
This scam plays on two big fears:
- Fear of fines or license loss: No one wants their driver’s license suspended or a surprise bill for unpaid tolls.
- Urgency: The texts often say, “Act now!” or “Pay immediately to avoid penalties,” pushing people to react fast without thinking.
Plus, because these messages come as texts right on your phone, they feel personal and immediate. Many folks just click the link without double-checking.
Real-World Examples of DMV Phone Scams
- In California, the DMV recently issued a public warning after a spike in texts demanding toll payments through fake links. They emphasized that the DMV never asks for payment or personal info via text.
- In Texas, the Department of Transportation reported a sharp rise in similar scams targeting TxTag users. They reminded drivers to only use official websites or apps and never trust unsolicited payment texts.
- The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) logged over 2,000 complaints about fraudulent toll road texts in just one month, highlighting the national scale of this issue.
How to Spot a DMV Phone Scam: What to Look For
To keep yourself safe, here are some red flags to watch for:
1. Unexpected Texts From the DMV or Toll Agency
If you didn’t recently have a toll or DMV business, be suspicious of random texts demanding payment.
2. Urgent, Threatening Language
Messages saying “Your license will be suspended if you don’t pay now” or “Immediate action required” are designed to scare you.
3. Links That Don’t Look Official
Always hover over links or check the URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses that mimic official sites but have subtle misspellings or strange domains.
4. Requests for Personal or Payment Information
Legitimate DMVs won’t ask you to send Social Security numbers or credit card info via text.
5. Generic Greetings
If the message doesn’t use your name or personal info, it’s likely a mass scam.
What You Should Do If You Get a Suspicious DMV Text
Here’s a step-by-step guide to handle it safely:
Step 1: Don’t Click Any Links or Call Any Numbers in the Message
Even if it looks urgent, avoid engaging with the message directly.
Step 2: Verify the Message by Contacting Your DMV or Toll Agency
Use official phone numbers or visit their verified website (e.g., www.dmv.ca.gov for California) to check if you really owe any fines or fees.
Step 3: Report the Scam
- Forward the suspicious text to your state’s DMV fraud department if available.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
Step 4: Inform Your Friends and Family
Spread the word, especially to elderly or less tech-savvy folks who might be easy targets.
What to Do If You Accidentally Clicked or Shared Your Info
If you fell victim and entered personal or payment information on a fake site:
- Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze or monitor your accounts.
- File a report with your local police department and the FBI IC3.
- Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports by contacting the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
- Change passwords on related online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Protecting Yourself Long-Term: Tips to Stay Scam-Safe
- Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. Always think twice before clicking links or sending personal info.
- Bookmark your state DMV’s official website. Access it directly rather than through links.
- Keep your phone’s software updated. Security patches help protect against malicious attacks.
- Use a call-blocking or SMS-filtering app. These can reduce scam texts and calls.
- Stay informed about new scams. Agencies like the FTC, FBI, and your state DMV publish regular alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can the DMV really text me about unpaid tolls or fines?
No. Most DMVs do not send unsolicited texts demanding payment or personal info. Official notices usually come by mail or through secure online portals.
Q2: What if I’m unsure if a message is real?
Contact your DMV or toll agency directly using the number or website from an official source — not from the suspicious message.
Q3: What should I do if I accidentally clicked a scam link?
Immediately disconnect from the internet, run a security scan on your device, and contact your bank if you entered any financial info.
Q4: Are these scams happening nationwide?
Yes, multiple states including California, Texas, Florida, and New York have reported increases in these phone scams.
Q5: How can I report suspicious texts?
Forward the message to your state DMV’s fraud department if available, report to the FTC, and file a complaint with the FBI IC3 online.
