Chinese criminal gangs are behind the 700% surge in fake DMV text scams targeting millions of Americans’ phones, stealing personal data and payment information across eight states.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI has issued an urgent warning about text messages impersonating DMV officials that have increased by 700% this month alone
- Scammers threaten revocation of driving privileges or jail time over fake unpaid tolls or fines to trick victims into clicking malicious links
- Chinese criminal organizations are orchestrating these attacks, sending up to 60 million texts monthly using AI and algorithms
- Affected states include Tennessee, New York, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, and Washington, DC
- Americans lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024, with these DMV smishing scams contributing to the growing problem
Massive Nationwide Scam Operation Uncovered
The FBI has issued an urgent warning about a sophisticated scam targeting iPhone and Android users across America. These fraudulent text messages, posing as communications from state Departments of Motor Vehicles, claim recipients owe unpaid tolls or fines and threaten serious consequences like driving privilege revocation or jail time if not addressed immediately. The deceptive campaign has exploded in popularity, with authorities reporting a staggering 700% increase in these attacks just this month. The scam has spread rapidly across Tennessee, New York, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, and Washington, DC, with new victims being targeted daily.
“These kinds of texts can put malware on your phone, which then can go in and steal information from your device, or collect your payment information,”warns FBI Tennessee’s Supervisory Special Agent David Palmer .
The operation is particularly concerning because of its scope and sophistication. Security experts have identified that these aren’t just random phishing attempts but rather a coordinated campaign originating from Chinese criminal organizations utilizing advanced technology. These overseas criminal groups employ AI and algorithms to blast out thousands of messages simultaneously, dramatically increasing their reach and potential victim pool. By some estimates, scammers can send up to 60 million texts per month, creating a massive net to catch unsuspecting Americans.
🚨 ALERT: Nationwide DMV Text Scam Targets Drivers
Scammers are impersonating DMV agencies across the U.S., sending fake text messages about unpaid traffic tickets or tolls. These messages threaten license suspension, fines, or credit score damage to pressure recipients into… pic.twitter.com/JrUm8DoaGH
— Tony Lane 🇺🇸 (@TonyLaneNV) May 31, 2025
How The Scam Works
The scam operates through a technique called “smishing” (SMS phishing), where criminals send deceptive text messages claiming to be from government agencies. The texts typically contain urgent language about unpaid fines, missed court appearances, or traffic violations that require immediate attention. They include links that, when clicked, lead to convincing but fraudulent websites designed to harvest personal information or install malware. The fake sites often mimic official government portals, complete with logos and language that appear legitimate to the untrained eye.
“These scam texts lead to phishing websites designed to steal people’s credit card information and make unauthorized charges,”explains a representative for cybersecurity tool Guardio .
In one documented example, a WREG investigator received a text message claiming to be from the “Tennessee Department of Vehicles” – an agency that doesn’t actually exist. The message contained typical hallmarks of these scams: urgent language, threats of penalties, and a suspicious link. Experts note that scammers intentionally exploit fear and urgency to bypass rational thinking, pushing victims to react quickly without proper consideration. This psychological manipulation is a cornerstone of their strategy, making even normally cautious individuals vulnerable to deception.
Rising Financial Losses and Growing Threat
The scale of this problem is becoming increasingly apparent. According to recent data, Americans received an astounding 19.2 billion spam texts in April alone, averaging 63 spam texts per person. More alarmingly, the Federal Trade Commission reported that Americans lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024, representing a $2 billion increase from the previous year. These DMV smishing scams are contributing significantly to this growing problem, with countless victims having their personal and financial information compromised. The true cost extends beyond immediate financial losses to include identity theft, account takeovers, and ongoing credit card fraud.
“Scammers always prey on people’s fears. They’re always opportunistic,”states the FBI.
“They try to ratchet up that sense of urgency so that you don’t think about what you’re doing and then they just send the money.”
Government agencies have been quick to emphasize that legitimate DMVs never request sensitive information through text messages. New York State DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder has been particularly vocal about this issue, making it clear that any text message claiming to be from the DMV and requesting personal information should immediately be considered suspicious. This clarity from officials is essential as many citizens might otherwise assume such official-looking communications are legitimate government correspondence.
Protecting Yourself From DMV Smishing Attempts
Law enforcement and cybersecurity experts are advising Americans to take several precautionary measures to protect themselves. First and foremost, never click on links in unexpected text messages, especially those claiming to be from government agencies. If you receive a message about a supposed DMV issue, contact your state’s DMV directly through their official website or phone number. Be highly skeptical of any communication requesting personal information, payment details, or threatening dire consequences for non-compliance. Additionally, register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, though this offers limited protection against determined scammers.
“If you don’t know who it’s from, don’t click on the link,”advises FBI Supervisory Special Agent David Palmer .
The FBI strongly encourages anyone who receives these fraudulent texts to report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These reports help authorities track trends, identify the source of scams, and potentially build cases against the criminal organizations responsible. While Google is implementing AI-powered scam detection to combat this issue, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. Until more robust protections are in place, vigilance and skepticism remain the best defenses against these increasingly sophisticated criminal operations targeting hardworking Americans.
