Americans are losing billions to sophisticated DMV text scams that threaten to suspend driver’s licenses unless immediate payment is made for fictional traffic violations.
Key Takeaways
- A nationwide “smishing” scam is impersonating state DMVs in New York, Florida, California, Illinois, Utah and other states, threatening license suspension to trick people into paying fake fines.
- Americans received 19.2 billion automated spam texts in April alone (63 per person) as scammers increasingly turn to text messaging to conduct fraud.
- Victims lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024, a $2 billion increase from the previous year according to FTC reports.
- Legitimate DMV texts come from five-digit numbers; be suspicious of messages with poor grammar, unfamiliar phone numbers, suspicious URLs, and urgent payment demands.
- Never click links in unexpected texts claiming to be from government agencies; instead verify directly through official websites or phone numbers.
Growing Wave of DMV Text Scams Targeting Drivers
Motor vehicle departments across multiple states are warning drivers about an increasingly sophisticated phishing scam operating through text messages. The fraudulent texts falsely claim to be from state DMVs and inform recipients they have unpaid traffic violation fees or toll charges. These messages typically threaten serious consequences like suspension of driving privileges or additional legal action unless immediate payment is made through links provided in the text. The scam has been identified in New York, Florida, California, Illinois, Utah and several other states, indicating a coordinated nationwide effort by fraudsters.
“Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias warned residents about a new type of phishing scam in a recent X post, saying text messages posing as the Department of Motor Vehicles should be ignored,” Stated Alexi Giannoulias
How the Scam Works
The scheme follows a typical “smishing” (SMS phishing) pattern where criminals use fear tactics and urgency to manipulate victims. Recipients receive messages claiming they have outstanding traffic violations or unpaid toll fees. The texts often include specific dollar amounts and threatening language about imminent license suspension or legal action. The messages direct recipients to click on embedded links that lead to fraudulent payment portals designed to harvest credit card information and personal data. Some versions of the scam even reference legitimate state statutes to appear more authentic, showing the sophisticated nature of these criminal operations.
“The texts may also threaten the recipient with the “suspension of driving privileges,”” Stated Illinois Secretary of State
The Federal Trade Commission has reported that Americans lost more than $12 billion to fraud in 2024, representing a staggering $2 billion increase from the previous year. Text message scams are becoming increasingly preferred by fraudsters as Americans received an astonishing 19.2 billion automated spam texts in April alone – averaging 63 spam texts per person. This explosion of digital fraud represents yet another burden on hardworking Americans already struggling with Biden-era inflation and economic challenges.
How to Identify Fraudulent DMV Texts
Legitimate government agencies like the DMV typically send text messages from five-digit numbers, not regular phone numbers. Several red flags can help identify fraudulent texts: poor grammar and spelling, unfamiliar phone numbers or email addresses as senders, suspicious URLs that don’t match official government domains, generic department names rather than specific state agencies, and urgent demands for immediate payment. Most importantly, state DMVs do not initiate contact about fees or violations via text message. Illinois officials have confirmed their DMV only sends text reminders for scheduled appointments, never payment demands.
“Phishing is pronounced like the word \”fishing\” and is defined by Illinois Tollway as “the practice of sending fraudulent email messages that are disguised as legitimate and often include company logos that look real,”” Stated Tollway
Protecting Yourself from DMV Text Scams
To protect yourself from these increasingly sophisticated scams, security experts recommend registering your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, though this won’t stop all spam texts. Never click on links in unexpected text messages claiming to be from government agencies. If you’re concerned about potential DMV issues, contact your state’s motor vehicle department directly through their official website or published phone number. Be extremely skeptical of any request for personal information, payment details, or login credentials via text message. Suspected fraudulent texts should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The rise of these scams highlights the critical need for enhanced digital security and consumer protection policies. President Trump’s commitment to strengthening America’s cybersecurity infrastructure and combating fraud remains essential as criminals develop increasingly sophisticated methods to target hardworking Americans. Until stronger protections are implemented, vigilance and awareness remain our best defense against these digital predators seeking to exploit everyday citizens.
