5 US States Urge Immediate Deletion of Fraudulent Bank Account Scam Texts
Dangerous DMV Text Scams Target Millions in U.S.
A surge of fraudulent text messages impersonating state DMV offices is sweeping the U.S., with millions receiving urgent alerts about unpaid fines or tolls. The scam, known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), directs victims to fake websites that steal bank details, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive data. States like California, New York, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois are among the hardest hit.
Security experts warn that clicking links can lead to drained accounts or identity theft.
The messages, first reported in May 2025, use AI-generated language and spoofed domains to mimic legitimate government sites. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias urged vigilance: “Don’t be fooled by texts threatening license suspensions. Verify directly with official channels.”
In New York, traffic attorney James Medows noted a spike in clients paying fake citations. “Scams work because they feel urgent. Real DMV notices don’t threaten via text,” he explained. California DMV Director Steve Gordon echoed this, issuing a statewide alert after deceptive texts about unpaid tolls emerged. “These looked real, but always confirm through our official site or phone line,” he said.
Fake sites often mirror genuine portals to steal information.
Florida officials warned that victims are told their licenses or registrations will be suspended unless they pay fraudulent fees. Georgia’s Department of Driver Services (DDS) clarified they never request payments via text. Commissioner Angelique McClendon stated, “DDS does not contact customers for confidential details.”
The FTC ranks smishing as a top fraud cause, contributing to $12 billion in consumer losses in 2024. Scammers exploit domains like “ezpass-update.us” and use AI to avoid typos, making messages harder to flag. Most operations are believed to run overseas, complicating prosecution.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never click links in unexpected texts.
- Verify alerts via official agency websites or phone lines.
- Forward suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM) or report to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry.
New York City and other governments are launching campaigns to educate the public. As Giannoulias stressed, “When in doubt, delete and report.”
Always report suspected fraud to limit its spread.
Stay alert—legitimate agencies rarely request sensitive info via text. Verify directly, and spread awareness to combat these sophisticated scams.
