CALIFORNIA (VVNG.com) — The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning residents across the state to be on alert for a widespread text message scam falsely claiming recipients owe toll fees.
According to DMV officials, Californians have reported receiving deceptive text messages that appear to be from the DMV, demanding payment for unpaid tolls. These fraudulent messages often include a threatening tone, claiming that failure to pay will result in fines or even the suspension of driving privileges. The texts contain links to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
“The DMV will never send a text message asking for personal or financial information,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “The best way to protect yourself is to always use the official DMV website or contact center to interact with us. Legitimate government agencies will rarely contact you by text for sensitive matters.”
A screenshot of one such scam shows a fake DMV notice urging recipients to pay for Express Lane usage by clicking a suspicious-looking link, with instructions to enter “Y” and reopen the message to proceed.
To avoid falling victim to these types of scams, the DMV urges residents to:
- Never respond to unsolicited or suspicious texts. Do not reply or click on any links.
- Verify the source. When in doubt, contact the DMV directly through official channels.
- Call the DMV if you have concerns at 1-800-777-0133.
The DMV also reminds the public that many services, including license renewals and vehicle registrations, are now available online. Customers are encouraged to visit the DMV’s online services portal or use the Service Advisor tool to explore their options before visiting a DMV office.
Anyone who believes they may have received a fraudulent message or entered personal information on a suspicious site is urged to report the incident and monitor their financial accounts closely.
