Scam texts say Virginians owe DMV cash. You don't.
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The Virginia DMV is once again warning residents about a text scam, this one fraudulently telling Virginians they owe money for unpaid traffic tickets.
Why it matters: Between bogus job offers, unsolicited homebuying queries and nonstop political announcements, it's a wonder any actual personal communication gets through to our phones.
Driving the news: In the latest scam, a fraudster posing as the DMV texts that the recipient owes money for an outstanding traffic ticket and they need to pay up immediately or risk penalties, according to a warning from the DMV.
- The penalty, per the scammer, is a suspended driver's license and vehicle registration, a ding on one's credit report, possible criminal prosecution and, bizarrely, a 35% "toll booth" service fee.
Virginians should not click on any links in the text or reply to the sender, the DMV says.
- Instead, recipients should use the "report junk" feature on their phone or forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
What they're saying: "The DMV will never send you text messages demanding payment for fines or fees," DMV commissioner Gerald Lackey said in a statement. "We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text."
Flashback: Unpaid traffic ticket messages are the latest text scam to hit Virginians. In March, there was one demanding money for unpaid tolls or E-Z Pass balances.
- And over the holidays, everyone got to enjoy a package delivery "smishing" string.
The bottom line: It might be time to go back to calling people on the phone.