Ohio DMV warns of new text scam

A new text message phishing scam is circulating, hot on the heels of the recent toll collection scams that targeted drivers.

This time the impersonated agency is your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The fake texts claim you have an outstanding traffic ticket and may face major penalties if you don’t pay up.

How the scam works

You receive what looks like an urgent text message from your state’s DMV. The text message includes a link to pay now. The link looks legitimate because it includes a “.gov” or “.org” in the web address.

However, if you click the link and provide your personal and financial information, you may have handed your information over to an unknown person.

One Ohio consumer reported to the BBB Scam Tracker they received the following text message: “Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on March 8. Our records show as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you do not complete payment by March 7, 2026, we will take the following actions: One, report to the DMV violation database; two, suspend your vehicle registration starting March 8; three, suspend driving privileges for 30 days; four, transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee; five, you may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected. Pay Now.”

How to avoid this scam

—Verify your outstanding traffic tickets on your own. Don’t click the link or call the phone number provided. Instead, contact your local police department or call your state’s DMV to verify your outstanding traffic tickets.

—Look for spelling and grammar errors. Legitimate companies usually hire professional writers and editors to craft their business communications, so if you notice strange phrasing along with spelling and grammar errors, you’re probably dealing with a scammer.

—If you spot a scam text, don’t reply. Replying tells the scammer they have a real, active phone number and could open you up to future attacks. If a text message seems suspicious, don’t reply. Block the number and erase the message.

—Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Phishing scams often ask you to provide personal information like your birthdate, Social Security number and more. Never provide that information to someone who contacts you out of the blue.

—Don’t click links or download files that are unexpectedly texted to you. Scammers can disguise links to make them look legitimate. Even if the link’s domain looks real, take steps to identify whether it is a safe link. If you’re unsure, don’t click the link and visit the website on your own. For example, in this case, instead of clicking the link that was sent to you, go to your internet browser and visit your state’s DMV website.