A new, widespread phishing scam is targeting drivers across the U.S. with fake text messages purporting to be from state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These texts threaten fines or penalties for unpaid tickets/tolls and demand immediate payment, aiming to steal personal information or money. The messages are sophisticated, mimicking official communications with fake codes and links. The article advises skepticism, checking for red flags, not clicking links, using antivirus software, verifying directly with the DMV, and reporting the scam to authorities like the FTC or FBI.
Massive DMV phishing scam tricks drivers with fake texts
TechnologySecurityPrivacyTransportationTravelHackersCybercrime
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️
A new, widespread phishing scam is targeting drivers across the U.S. with fake text messages purporting to be from state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These texts threaten fines or penalties for unpaid tickets/tolls and demand immediate payment, aiming to steal personal information or money. The messages are sophisticated, mimicking official communications with fake codes and links. The article advises skepticism, checking for red flags, not clicking links, using antivirus software, verifying directly with the DMV, and reporting the scam to authorities like the FTC or FBI.
Trending- 1 Ongoing: Massive DMV phishing scam sweeping across the U.S.
- Theft of personal information
- Financial loss for victims
- Increased risk of malware installation
- Erosion of trust in official communications
What: A widespread phishing scam is targeting drivers across the U.S. via fake text messages from the 'DMV,' threatening fines or penalties for unpaid tickets/tolls and demanding immediate payment to steal personal information or money.
When: Currently sweeping across the country.
Where: United States, specifically mentioning Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Colorado, Vermont, Texas, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
Why: Scammers aim to exploit fear and urgency to trick individuals into providing personal information or making payments.
How: Scammers send sophisticated text messages mimicking official DMV communications, including fake administrative codes and links to fraudulent websites. Victims are advised to be skeptical, check for red flags, avoid clicking links, use antivirus software, verify directly with the DMV, and report the scam.