DMV officials and authorities in several states are alerting residents about fraudulent text messages designed to trick them into paying bogus toll fees.
These text scams increased significantly in May, prompting numerous states to issue warnings advising the public to be wary of messages impersonating the DMV.
New York DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder stated that scammers are sending these texts in large quantities, hoping to deceive New Yorkers into divulging personal data. He emphasized that the DMV does not request personal information via text message.
Here’s what you should know about these DMV scams and how to protect yourself:
What states are encountering the scam texts?
The fraudulent texts have been reported across the U.S., with states including , , , , , , , , , , and issuing alerts.
While the specific details of the warnings vary, all official statements emphasize that the DMV never sends unsolicited requests for payments or personal information.
Illinois Secretary of State Alexander Giannoulias cautioned that the Illinois DMV only sends text messages as appointment reminders.
Giannoulias noted that phishing scams are a growing problem, aiming to steal personal information and money from Illinois residents.
In Florida, the state DMV has to warn drivers about the scam, reminding residents that the FLDMV will never demand payment or threaten suspension or arrest via text message.
Various and community organizations in states like New York and New Jersey have also posted warnings on social media.
The in New Jersey posted a Facebook notice on May 31, informing residents about the surge in these scam texts.
What are the DMV scam texts saying?
According to , the content of the texts varies by state, but they typically warn recipients that they will face penalties if they do not pay an outstanding traffic ticket. These penalties may include losing vehicle registration or driving privileges, increased toll charges, a negative impact on their credit score, or even legal prosecution.
Some of the website links included in the messages use terms similar to “.gov” to appear legitimate. Many scam messages have also contained links with variations of “ezpassnj.”
One scam text circulating in New Jersey, as shown in a , claimed to be from the “New Jersey State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)” and stated, “Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 30.” The message further stated that the recipient had an unpaid traffic ticket and needed to pay immediately to avoid license suspension and legal issues.
What should you do if you receive one of the DMV scam texts?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides guidance on protecting yourself from text message scams. One step is to forward the message to 7726 (SPAM), which may help your provider block similar messages in the future.
You can also report the scam directly to the FTC on their website.
Generally, state DMVs advise residents to be suspicious of all communications, even those from supposed “trusted sources,” and to never share personal or sensitive information via text or email.
The Warren Township Police Department advises recipients of scam texts to take these four steps:
- Delete the message immediately
- Do NOT click any links or provide any information
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at
- If you’re unsure about your DMV status, visit the official DMV website directly or contact them by phone
Scammers often create a sense of urgency by setting deadlines or threatening serious consequences, such as losing driving privileges, to encourage victims to act quickly.
David Brumley, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, advised in 2024 that the best defense against scams is to be vigilant and, if unsure about a text’s legitimacy, contact the relevant department or business directly to confirm before taking any action.
Murat Kantarcioglu, a professor at Virginia Tech, suggested that people should also inform their older relatives about prevalent scams, as they may be more vulnerable due to less familiarity with technology.
Kantarcioglu emphasized the importance of educating older family members about these issues and avoiding responding to texts from unknown senders or engaging in phone conversations with unfamiliar people.
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