Text fraudsters are looking for entities to hide behind, first with toll highways and now DMVs.
The most recent wave of text message scams poses as essential communications from state Departments of Motor Vehicles, or DMVs. As of Friday, May 30, the messages have been reported in multiple states, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York.
On Tuesday, May 27, Illinois Secretary of State Alex Giannoulias issued a warning to citizens to be aware of text messages claiming to be from the Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles that threaten to revoke vehicle registration and driving privileges if certain payments are not paid.
Here’s what you should know about the current batch of text scams.
What do DMV scam texts look like?
While the texts differ each state, the basic message remains the same: residents who fail to pay an outstanding traffic citation to the state’s DMV risk losing their vehicle registration and driving privileges, incurring a toll booth price rise, or having their credit score harmed.
The text message sent to Illinois residents includes a penalty start date, a fictitious state administrative code, and a list of punishments if the recipient fails to pay an outstanding debt. The letter also contains a link to what seems to be the Illinois Department of Transportation website.
The City of Linden, New Jersey, issued a caution stating that people may receive a text message with the words “ezpassnj” and “.gov” in the URL to appear authentic. The message, however, does not allow people to click the link directly, but instead invites users to respond “Y” and copy the link to a browser.
What should you do if you get a DMV scam text?
If you receive a text message from the DMV seeking money, the Federal Trade Commission recommends the following:
Please do not respond to the text or click any links. State DMVs would never solicit for your information or money by text.
If you believe the message is legitimate, contact your state’s DMV using a reliable phone number or website.
Copy the text message and send it to 7726 (spam). This will allow your wireless provider to detect and block similar communications.
Report the text using the messaging app you use. Look for a way to report garbage or spam.
Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov, or make a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Compliant Center at ic3.gov.
What exactly is meant by’smishing’?
The DMV text scam is an example of smishing.
According to IBM, “smishing” is a social engineering attack in which bogus text messages are used to fool users into downloading malware, giving personal information, or sending money to hackers. The phrase is a combination of “SMS” (short messaging service) and “phishing,” which is an umbrella term for social engineering attacks.
Is’smishing’ the same as telemarketing?
No. While both types of communication may be unnecessary, smishing and messages/calls from telemarketers are distinct. Smishing is a cybercrime in which scammers attempt to deceive victims into disclosing critical information. Telemarketing, on the other hand, is a respectable marketing strategy for promoting products or services.