Drivers across America are falling victim to sophisticated text message scams claiming to be from their state DMV, demanding payment for fictitious toll violations or tickets while threatening license suspension.
At a Glance
- A widespread text message scam impersonating DMVs has hit at least 11 states, including Florida, New York, and California
- Scammers threaten drivers with license suspension or vehicle registration cancellation if “unpaid” tolls or tickets aren’t immediately paid
- Americans received 19.2 billion spam texts in April alone, with fraud losses exceeding $12 billion nationwide in 2024
- DMV officials emphasize they never request personal information or payments via text message
- Experts recommend forwarding suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and contacting DMVs through official channels
Multi-State Scam Alert
A sophisticated text message scam targeting drivers has spread across at least eleven states, prompting urgent warnings from motor vehicle departments nationwide. The scheme involves fraudulent texts claiming to be from state DMVs, alerting recipients about supposed unpaid traffic violations or toll fees. These messages typically contain threatening language about license suspension, vehicle registration cancellation, or legal action if immediate payment isn’t made through included links. The scam has been documented in Illinois, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Colorado, Vermont, Texas, and California.
The messages are part of a growing trend of “smishing” (SMS phishing) attacks designed to steal personal and financial information. What makes these scams particularly dangerous is their professional appearance, with many using URLs that closely mimic legitimate government websites. The fraudulent texts create a false sense of urgency, pressuring recipients to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the communication. Officials emphasize that actual DMVs do not operate this way.
Official Warnings
State motor vehicle departments have responded with clear guidance about their legitimate communication practices. The Illinois Secretary of State confirmed they only send text messages for appointment reminders, never for payment demands. Florida’s DMV has created a dedicated webpage warning drivers about the scam. Law enforcement agencies and civic associations in multiple states have issued alerts through social media and official channels to help the public identify these fraudulent messages.
“These scammers flood phones with these texts, hoping to trick unsuspecting New Yorkers into handing over their personal information,” said New York DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder in a press release. “DMV will not send you texts asking for your personal information.”
The nationwide scope of this fraud campaign reflects a troubling trend. Americans received an astonishing 19.2 billion spam texts in April alone, averaging 63 unwanted messages per person. The financial impact is equally alarming – the Federal Trade Commission reports that Americans lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024, representing a $2 billion increase from the previous year. These numbers underscore the increasing sophistication and scale of digital fraud targeting everyday citizens.
Protecting Yourself
Security experts recommend several concrete steps to protect yourself from these scams. First, remember that legitimate DMVs will never send unsolicited text messages requesting personal information or payment. If you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from your DMV, don’t click any links or respond. Instead, delete the message immediately. For additional protection, forward the suspicious text to 7726 (SPAM) to help authorities track and combat these schemes.
“Phishing scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, seeking to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,” Giannoulias said.
If you’re genuinely concerned about your DMV account status, contact your state’s motor vehicle department directly through their official website or phone number – never through links provided in text messages. Consider registering with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted communications, though sophisticated scammers often ignore these restrictions. Staying vigilant and approaching unexpected communications with healthy skepticism remains your best defense against digital fraud targeting American drivers.
Family Protection
The most vulnerable targets for these scams are often older Americans who may be less familiar with evolving digital threats. Security experts emphasize the importance of family education about these dangers. Taking time to explain common scam techniques to parents, grandparents and other older relatives can prevent significant financial losses and identity theft. The urgency created by these fraudulent messages often causes even cautious individuals to act before thinking critically about the legitimacy of the communication.
“I think everyone should make it their mission to educate the older people in their family about these issues,” said Kantarcioglu, adding that it’s best not to answer text messages from unverified senders or engage in phone conversations with people you don’t know.
As scammers continue to refine their techniques, maintaining a healthy skepticism toward unexpected communications is essential. Legitimate government agencies provide multiple verification methods and rarely create artificial urgency in their communications. By staying informed about current scams and sharing that knowledge with vulnerable family members, Americans can better protect themselves against these increasingly sophisticated digital threats targeting drivers nationwide.