It’s likely that you’ve received a scam message about unpaid toll fees, or maybe you know someone who has. Scammers are now taking things even further by impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from states across the country. They claim you have an “overdue traffic ticket” and threaten to suspend your driving privileges (among other penalties) if you don’t pay. Here’s how this scam works:
You receive an unexpected message that looks like it’s from your state’s DMV, stating that you have an overdue traffic ticket. The message may include a link for payment and warns that if you don’t pay immediately, they will report you to the “DMV violation database,” suspend your vehicle registration, driver’s license, and driving rights, and even charge you an additional 35% service fee. The message might also threaten prosecution or damage to your credit score — but all of this is a scam designed to steal your money and personal information.
How to Avoid Falling for This Scam:
- Don’t click on any links in strange messages or respond to them. Scammers want you to react quickly and provide personal information before you realize it’s a scam. Take a moment to pause and discuss the message with someone you trust.
- If you’re concerned, contact your DMV directly. Use a phone number or website that you know is legitimate — not the contact info in the message. This way, you can verify if there is any actual issue with your account.
By staying alert and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to this type of scam.
