Don't be fooled: DMV text scams expand to more states
Don't be fooled: DMV text scams expand to more states
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Americans reported losing $470M to text scams
In 2024, Americans reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission.
Scripps News
More states are cautioning residents to be wary of text message scams claiming to come from DMVs.
The texts scams pose as messages from state Departments of Motor Vehicles, or DMVs. As of Friday, June 6, Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, California, Michigan and North Carolina have warned residents about the scam. llinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia and New York previously issued advisories.
The new DMV scams come hot on the tail of a string of text scams that threatened folks with unpaid toll charges. Here's what to know about the latest scam and how to report, if you receive one.
More news: Over 183,000 Mazda vehicles recalled. See impacted models.
What do the DMV scam texts look like?
While the texts vary state to state, the underlying message is the same: Residents are at risk of losing their vehicle registration and driving privileges, receive a toll booth charge increase, or see their credit score impacted, if they go not pay an outstanding traffic ticket to the state's DMV.
The text message sent in Indiana includes a date penalties will begin, a fake administrative code and a list of consequences that the receiver will face if they don't pay an outstanding bill. The message also includes a link that appears to be the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles website.
What should you do if you receive a DMV scam text?
If you receive a text message from a DMV, demanding money, the Federal Trade Commission suggests the following:
Do not respond to the text or click any links. State DMVs would not ask for your information or money by text.
If you think the message might be real, contact your state's DMV using a trusted phone number or website.
Copy the text message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). This will help your wireless provider spot and block similar messages.
Report the text on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.
Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and/or file a compliant with the FBI's Internet Crime Compliant Center at ic3.gov.
What is 'smishing'?
The DMV text scam is an example of smishing.
"Smishing" is a social engineering attack that uses fake text messages to trick people into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information or sending money to hackers, according to IBM. The term is a combination of "SMS" or short messaging service" and "phishing," an umbrella term for social engineering attacks.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
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