Fraudsters are back at it again sending scam text messages. This time they are sending fraudulent text messages, also called smishing text messages, impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles. These fraudsters are looking to steal your money. Do not click on any links in the text message, but instead delete these text messages right away.

The text messages may come from a foreign phone number and state that you have outstanding tickets. A list of damaging consequences if you do not pay is also listed in the text message. This wording is designed to cause panic and alarm, driving worried text message recipients right into a trap.

The scam text messages include a link for the recipient to make a payment. However, the link directs the recipient to a phishing website that is designed to trick innocent people into keying their credit card details. The website may look reputable and official, in some cases, the phishing website will use the same text, fonts, images and logos as the official website.

The scam text message could also direct recipients to a website that requests payment by non-standard means like by gift card or wire transfer, which is always a red flag that the website is an impersonation scam. 

Other tell-tale signs that a text message is a scam include:

• The sender’s number may be an international number.
• The text message may have an email address in the sender line instead of a phone number.
• The payment website link may not end with .com or .net, but instead may end with an uncommon domain extension or an international domain extension like .xin.
• The text message may lack personalization — missing the recipient’s name or account number.

The FCC also provides this guidance should you receive these smishing text messages: 

• Do Not Engage with the Texter. Do not reply to the message, including pushing a button or responding “Y” or “N.”
• Do Not Click any links embedded in the text.
• Find Out if the Text Message Is Legitimate. Call a customer service number or log onto the DMV website and determine if you can search for valid violations or unpaid tickets. If your account is in order, report the scam text.
• Block the Number. Consider blocking the sender’s number to prevent future scam attempts.
• Report the Scam to Law Enforcement. If you suspect a text message is a scam, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
• Do Not Share Your Info. Never share personally identifiable information or financial information in response to unsolicited or suspicious messages.
• Don’t Be Bullied. Any request that you receive urging immediate action can lead to a rushed response that may be unwise.
• File a Complaint with the FCC. Your information helps to inform FCC enforcement and policy efforts, and helps us raise public awareness of these scams.

How to File a Consumer Complaint With the FCC

You can file complaints with the FCC about robocalls or robotexts. Information about the FCC’s informal complaint process, including how to file a complaint, and what happens after a complaint is filed, is available in the FCC Complaint Center FAQ.

More Information

For more information on how to avoid phone scams, visit fcc.gov/robocalls.