Ohio BMV warns drivers of scammers sending texts posing as the bureau
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles issued a warning about scam text messages claiming the recipient has unpaid traffic tickets.
Recent scam texts sent to Ohioans mimic a common unpaid turnpike tolls scam that urges the recipient to pay unpaid fines or risk losing their driving privileges, having their vehicle registration suspended, paying a hefty service fee, facing prosecution, and damaging their credit score, according to the press release.
Here's what to know: Is that text about your unpaid Ohio Turnpike toll a scam? Probably
These texts are phishing scams designed to trick people into giving up their personal and financial information, according to the Ohio BMV.
'If you receive this text, do not fall for this scam,' Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman said in the press release. 'Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information.'
Scam attempts can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Victims of scams should contact their local law enforcement agency, according to the release.
These scams are not isolated to Ohio. They are popping up all over the U.S., USA TODAY reported.
There are four signs that something is a scam, according to the FTC.
The scammer is pretending to be an organization or a person you know.
The scammer says there is a problem you need to fix or a prize for you to claim.
The scammer pressures you to act immediately before you have time to think.
The scammer wants you to pay in a specific way, like with cryptocurrency, gift cards, payment apps or money-wiring services.
The FTC also has a number of tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam. They are:
Don't give personal or financial information in response to a request you didn't expect. Legitimate organizations won't call, text or email asking for your personal information.
Resist the pressure to act immediately. Anyone who pressures you to act or pay immediately is likely a scammer, according to the FTC.
Never pay someone who insists you pay them with cryptocurrency, with gift cards, with a payment app or with a money wire. Also, don't deposit a check and send money back to someone.
Stop and talk to someone you trust. It might help you realize you're being scammed.
Breaking and Trending News Reporter Nathan Hart can be reached at NHart@dispatch.com and at @NathanRHart on X and at nathanhart.dispatch.com on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio BMV urges caution amid phishing grift text message scam
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