FBI Warning: Delete Texts Now – iPhone & Android Security
- State DMVs and BMVs are warning drivers about a surge in scam texts attempting to steal personal details and money.
- Chris Crabb of oregon’s DMV said the messages are designed to trick recipients into clicking links and providing personal data or sending money.
- These texts threaten suspension of driving licenses and vehicle registrations, creating a false sense of panic to prompt immediate action.
Drivers, be warned! Scam texts are surging, impersonating DMVs and threatening license suspension and vehicle registration issues. These fraudulent messages,often originating from foreign numbers,use a threatening tone and create a false sense of urgency too steal your data and money. Learn to identify these deceptive tactics,which often cite nonexistent traffic violations or even fabricate government agencies,such as the “Arizona Ministry of Communications”. The Oregon DMV and Ohio BMV are actively alerting the public to these scams, detailing the telltale red flags. If you receive any suspicious texts, do not engage with them. Contact your local DMV through official channels and immediately report the incident. News directory 3 keeps you informed. Discover what’s next in protecting yourself from these relentless digital threats.
DMV Scam Texts Target Drivers With Urgent License Threats
Updated June 15, 2025
State DMVs and BMVs are warning drivers about a surge in scam texts attempting to steal personal details and money. The schemes often involve threats of license suspension or vehicle registration issues.
Chris Crabb of oregon’s DMV said the messages are designed to trick recipients into clicking links and providing personal data or sending money. These new Department of motor Vehicles (DMV) attacks go beyond simple payment requests, often citing nonexistent traffic violations.
These texts threaten suspension of driving licenses and vehicle registrations, creating a false sense of panic to prompt immediate action. While the format can be a giveaway, other clues are easier to spot. For example, some California drivers have received texts from the Philippines (+63 country code) claiming to be a “Department of Motor Vehicles Final Notice” threatening “enforcement actions” within hours.
Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has also issued a warning, displaying an example of a scam text originating from a +44 UK number. Charlie Norman,BMV Registrar of Motor Vehicles,said there are telltale signs and red flags in these texts.
norman said the texts follow a pattern: a threatening tone and an abnormal sense of urgency. They often cite nonexistent sections of the revised code and use domain names that don’t match the official website.
in Arizona, the scams are even more elaborate, fabricating an entire government agency. Local media report that people have received texts claiming to be from the “Arizona Ministry of Communications,” stating they have an outstanding traffic ticket and threatening to suspend thier vehicle registration.
Authorities advise that anyone receiving these texts should not engage in any way. Every one of these texts is a scam. Contact your DMV through official channels if you have any doubts. Report the text and then delete it.
New York’s DMV warns that these scam texts often include logos, images, and content copied from the legitimate DMV website to appear realistic. if a message doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What’s next
Law enforcement agencies continue to track and combat these scams, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to their local DMV or BMV.