DMV text scam.

I got a random text one morning.

The text is from a +63 phone number in the Philippines.

State of Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV)
FINAL NOTICE – Enforcement Actions Begin March 3
Our records indicate that you currently have an unpaid traffic citation. Pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if payment is not received by March 2, 2026, the following measures will be implemented:

  1. Report to the DMV violation database
  2. Suspension of your vehicle registration effective March 3
  3. 30-day suspension of your driving privileges
  4. Transfer to collections with an additional 35% service fee
  5. Possible prosecution and negative impact on your credit score
    Pay Now: (redacted parts of scam link, do not click)
    https://f%5BREDACTED%5Du.gov-x%5BREDACTED%5Dg.bond/dmv
    Please make payment immediately to prevent license suspension and additional legal consequences.
    (Reply Y and re-open this message to access the link, or copy and paste it into your browser.)

Red Flags of DMV Text Scams

When you receive a text message claiming to be from the DMV, especially one with a suspicious link, consider the following red flags:

  1. Unrecognized Phone Number: Scams often come from unfamiliar or international numbers. Be wary of messages from numbers that don’t follow the usual patterns in your country.
  2. Pressure Tactics: Texts that create a sense of urgency, such as threatening immediate enforcement actions or fines, are often fraudulent. Legitimate organizations do not rush you into making payments.
  3. Suspicious Links: Any link that redirects you to a webpage asking for personal information or payments should be treated with caution. Inspect the link for misspellings or unusual domain names.
  4. Generic Greetings: Scammers often use generic terms like “Dear customer” instead of addressing you by your name, which legitimate communications typically do.
  5. Poor Grammar and Spelling: Official messages usually maintain a professional tone. If the text contains misspellings or awkward phrasing, it could be a scam.
  6. Unfamiliar Payment Methods: Be cautious if the message instructs you to pay via unconventional means or through links rather than official channels.
  7. Threats of Legal Action: Scammers may threaten with legal actions or other severe consequences. Always verify any such claims with your local DMV directly.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text

  • Do Not Click Links: Avoid clicking on any links provided in the message.
  • Verify the Sender: Contact your local DMV directly through official channels to verify if the message is legitimate.
  • Report the Scam: Report any suspicious messages to authorities or consumer protection websites.

Always stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from scams!