A dangerous new “smishing” scam is targeting drivers across America with fake DMV text messages threatening to revoke licenses over non-existent traffic violations.
Key Takeaways
- A widespread text message scam impersonating state DMVs has been reported in New York, Florida, California, Illinois, Utah, and other states.
- Scammers threaten license revocation or legal action for unpaid traffic tickets or tolls to trick recipients into clicking malicious links.
- Americans received 19.2 billion spam texts in April alone (63 per person), with fraud losses exceeding $12 billion nationwide in 2024.
- Warning signs include urgent demands, foreign phone numbers, email addresses as senders, incorrect department names, and poor grammar.
- Legitimate government agencies typically send texts from five-digit numbers and don’t request personal information via text message.
The Growing Threat of DMV Text Scams
Departments of motor vehicles across multiple states including New York, Florida, California, and Illinois are warning drivers about sophisticated text message scams impersonating official DMV communications. These fraudulent messages, part of a technique known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), typically claim recipients have unpaid traffic violation fees or toll charges and threaten severe penalties such as license suspension if immediate action isn’t taken. The messages contain links that, when clicked, can lead to identity theft or financial fraud by capturing personal information.
The recent surge in these scams has prompted agencies nationwide to issue warnings to residents. What makes these attempts particularly dangerous is their increasingly convincing appearance, with some even referencing legitimate state statutes to appear more authentic. The scammers prey on people’s fear of legal consequences and the natural urgency that comes with potentially losing driving privileges, creating psychological pressure to comply with their demands without proper verification.
How to Identify Fraudulent DMV Messages
These scam messages share several common red flags that can help drivers identify them as fraudulent. Texts demanding urgent action, particularly those that create a sense of fear or panic, should immediately raise suspicion. Government agencies rarely communicate time-sensitive matters exclusively via text message. Additionally, messages originating from foreign phone numbers, email addresses, or containing grammatical errors are almost certainly fraudulent. Official DMV communications typically come from five-digit numbers, not regular phone numbers.
“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
Another telltale sign is incorrect department naming. Many scam texts refer to the “Department of Motor Vehicles” in states where this exact name isn’t used for the licensing agency. For example, in Illinois, the Secretary of State’s office handles driver services, not a “DMV.” Suspicious links in these messages often lead to unofficial websites with URLs that don’t match official government domains, which typically end in .gov rather than .com or other extensions.
The Scale of the Problem and How to Protect Yourself
The scope of this problem is massive and growing. According to recent data, Americans received an astounding 19.2 billion automated spam texts in April alone, averaging 63 spam texts per person. The financial impact is equally staggering, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that Americans lost over $12 billion to fraud in 2024, representing a $2 billion increase from the previous year. This indicates that these scams are not only becoming more prevalent but also more effective.
“The texts may also threaten the recipient with the ‘suspension of driving privileges,'” According to Illinois Secretary of State
To protect yourself, security experts recommend several precautions. First, register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which won’t stop all spam but can reduce legitimate telemarketing calls. Never click on links in suspicious texts, especially those claiming to be from government agencies. If you’re concerned about potential DMV issues, contact your state’s licensing agency directly through official channels listed on their verified website. Report fraudulent texts to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, which helps authorities track and combat these scams.
Official Responses and Legitimate Communication Channels
State officials have been clear that their agencies don’t conduct business through unsolicited text messages about violations or fees. For instance, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has explicitly stated they do not send text messages about vehicle registrations or driver’s licenses – they only send reminders for scheduled DMV appointments that drivers have already arranged. This consistent policy across states makes it easier to identify fraudulent communications: any unexpected text claiming to be from a DMV about violations or payments is almost certainly a scam.
The rise in these scams highlights the need for better consumer education about digital fraud tactics. President Trump’s administration has supported increased funding for cybersecurity initiatives, recognizing that American citizens are increasingly targeted by sophisticated digital scams. When it comes to government communications, legitimate agencies have established protocols that rarely involve text messages for serious matters like fines or penalties. Instead, official notices typically arrive through mail on agency letterhead or through secure online portals that require login credentials.
