How to Spot and Avoid the DMV Text Scam That’s Targeting States Across the Country
Scam texts pretending to come from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are spreading fast—and they’re getting trickier to spot. These messages may look official, even urgent, claiming that you owe a fine or that your driver’s license is at risk. But it’s all a con. The goal? To trick you into clicking a fake link, sharing your personal info, or handing over money.
At TechPals, we’re seeing more of these scams targeting people who just want to stay on top of their bills or be responsible drivers. That’s why we’re here to break down exactly what’s going on, how to recognize the warning signs, and what to do if you receive one of these texts. Whether you’re a tech-savvy learner or still getting comfortable with digital tools, the Tech Pals have your back.
What’s Going On With the DMV Scam Texts?
In May 2025, reports started popping up across the country about scam text messages that claim to be from local DMV offices. These messages have one thing in common: they’re designed to scare you into taking immediate action. The scammers use threats like:
“You have unpaid tolls.”
“Your vehicle registration is about to be suspended.”
“Legal action will begin if you don’t respond.”
Some messages mention a specific date, an “administrative code,” or even reference real government programs to seem more convincing. In Illinois, for example, people received messages telling them to pay overdue tolls or face a penalty starting May 30. Florida, New Jersey, New York, and several other states have issued public warnings as these scams spread.
Unfortunately, these texts can look very real. They may even include parts of official websites, like “ezpassnj” or “.gov” domains, to make them appear trustworthy.
But here’s the truth: no real DMV will ever text you asking for payment or personal information out of the blue. If you get a message like this, it’s a scam.
What Do These Scam Messages Look Like?
Scammers know how to make a message look legitimate. They use logos, government-style language, and links that closely resemble official websites. For example, a scam text might read:
“New Jersey DMV: Final Notice. You have an unpaid ticket. Penalties begin May 30. Click here to resolve: ezpassnj-gov-payments.com”
This message might seem urgent and scary—but it’s designed that way. Scammers rely on fear and confusion to get people to act quickly. Once you click the link, a few things might happen:
You’re taken to a fake website that collects your payment details or personal information.
You’re prompted to download malware onto your device.
You’re asked to confirm your Social Security number, driver’s license info, or banking information.
Even more alarming, some messages instruct people to respond with a “Y” (for yes) before copying and pasting the link into a browser. This is just another way for scammers to bypass phone security filters and trick more victims.
Remember: official DMV notices never work like this. Real agencies send mail or emails through secure channels—and they certainly don’t threaten you through text messages.
What is “Smishing” and How is it Different From Telemarketing?
You’ve probably heard the term “phishing,” where scammers try to trick people using fake emails. “Smishing” is the same idea—but with text messages instead of emails. The word comes from combining “SMS” (which stands for text messaging) and “phishing.”
Smishing attacks try to do three things:
Scare you into acting fast – by saying something bad will happen soon (like losing your license).
Trick you into clicking a link – where malware or fake forms await.
Steal your private info or money – by making you believe you’re dealing with a real agency.
It’s important to understand that smishing is not the same as telemarketing. While both are unwanted communications, telemarketing is a legal practice (even if annoying). Smishing is a cybercrime designed to deceive and exploit.
The DMV scam text is a perfect example of smishing—and it’s one of the fastest-growing fraud methods out there.
What To Do If You Receive a Suspicious DMV Text
If you get a text that seems fishy, here’s exactly what to do:
1. Don’t Click Anything
This is the most important rule. No matter how real the message looks, don’t click the link. Just opening that webpage can expose your phone to malware or phishing traps.
2. Don’t Respond to the Text
Replying “STOP” or “Y” won’t unsubscribe you—it just tells the scammer that your number is active, which could lead to more scam attempts.
3. Forward the Message to 7726 (SPAM)
This helps your mobile provider recognize and block similar scam texts in the future. Just forward the text exactly as you received it.
4. Report It to the FTC
Go to reportfraud.ftc.gov to share the details. You can also report serious fraud attempts to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
5. Delete the Message
After reporting it, delete the text from your phone so you don’t accidentally click it later.
6. When in Doubt, Contact the DMV Directly
If you’re really unsure whether a message is legit, find your state DMV’s phone number or website yourself—don’t use any links in the message.
Scammers are good at making their messages seem urgent and official. But once you know what to look for, you can spot the red flags and protect yourself.
How to Verify a Real DMV Message
So, what if you receive a text and you’re just not sure if it’s real or fake? It’s a good instinct to double-check. The key is to verify the message on your own terms—not using the contact info or links in the message itself.
Here’s how to do that:
✅ Go Directly to Your State DMV’s Website
Use your web browser to search for your state’s official DMV site, or type in the exact URL if you already know it. Official government websites will always end in .gov (not .com or .org for DMV services).
✅ Call the DMV Using a Trusted Number
Don’t call any phone number listed in the suspicious message. Instead, look up the DMV’s customer service number directly from their website and ask if they sent you a message.
✅ Check for Secure Messaging Policies
Most DMVs only send text messages for appointment reminders or confirmations—and even those usually require you to sign up first. If you didn’t ask for a message, it’s likely fake.
By checking directly with your DMV, you stay in control. Never feel rushed or pressured to act before confirming things yourself.
Why It’s Important to Share This Info
Many people who fall for scams never think it will happen to them. That’s why spreading awareness is one of the best defenses against smishing attacks.
Scammers often target people they think are less likely to spot tech tricks—such as those new to smartphones or hesitant about online payments. If you’ve figured out how to avoid these scams, you’re in a great position to help others do the same.
Here’s how you can protect your circle:
Talk about it: Bring up the scam in conversation. Share this article or retell the basics to family members, neighbors, or anyone who might not know.
Ask if others have seen the texts: Sometimes people keep these messages quiet because they’re unsure what to do. Let them know they’re not alone—and there are safe ways to report them.
Share safer habits: Encourage people to bookmark their state DMV’s real website and to never click on links in unexpected messages.
At TechPals, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident using technology. You don’t need to be an expert—just knowing the basics can make a big difference. By helping others stay informed, you help create a safer online environment for everyone.
How TechPals Can Help You Stay Scam-Savvy
If scams like this feel overwhelming, you’re not alone—and TechPals is here to guide you. Whether you're just learning how to use text messages, or you've been texting for years, our team can help you:
Recognize and report common scams
Use safer web browsing habits
Protect your smartphone or tablet from fraud attempts
Learn how to talk to loved ones about digital safety
We offer friendly, one-on-one support and group workshops designed specifically for people getting comfortable with modern technology. If you’ve ever wished you had someone to “walk you through it,” Tech Pals is the place to start.
Want to learn more?
Visit TechPals.org for helpful guides and articles
Schedule a free session to get one-on-one help
Join our newsletter for scam alerts and tech tips
It’s never too late to get the support you need—and the knowledge you deserve.
Conclusion
The DMV text scam is just one of many tricks that cybercriminals use to confuse and deceive. These messages are sneaky, urgent, and often look official—but now you know what to look for.
Let’s review:
DMVs will never demand payment or personal info by text.
Don’t click on suspicious links or respond to unfamiliar messages.
Report scams and delete the messages.
Verify any claims by contacting your state DMV directly.
Share what you’ve learned with others—you could save someone from getting scammed.
Staying safe online doesn’t mean being suspicious of everything. It just means knowing the signs and taking a moment to think before you act. And remember, if you ever need support, TechPals and Tech Pals are just a click away.
Visit TechPals.org today and take the first step toward safer, more confident tech use.
