Source: DMV
Delawareans are being urged not to click on links in suspicious text messages.
This latest reminder comes after a new Short Message Service (SMS) phishing scam has surfaced referencing the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. The scam alert states the recipient has an outstanding traffic violation and needs to “click on a link” to pay the amount due by a specific date to avoid the suspension of their vehicle registration and driving privileges.
These text message alerts are a scam designed to trick recipients into paying an undisclosed amount, while also gaining access to their personal, private, and financial data. The DMV urges all residents and customers not to click on any links soliciting money for unpaid traffic violations, toll violations, or account replenishment. The Delaware DMV and E-ZPass Delaware will not contact you via email or text demanding payment for a violation.
“Please, no matter who the message is from, don’t click on a link to initiate a payment of any type unless you are confident the message is legit,” shares DMV Director Amy Anthony. “When we see something like this our initial reaction is to panic and do whatever the message is asking of us. These scammers know that. They are counting on it. My best advice is if it looks suspicious, it probably is. If you are unsure, take a moment and then reread the message. Typically, you will see the red flags the second time around,” continued Anthony.
Anyone who receives a suspicious text or email can report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. When reporting, please include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
Anyone who clicks on a suspicious link or has provided sensitive information to an unknown source should secure their personal information, and financial accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges with their financial institutions and credit card companies.
For information about your license or registration, log on to your MyDMV account at MyDMV Account Services – Division of Motor Vehicles or dmv.de.gov. You may also call 302-744-2500 or email DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov.
For information about your E-ZPass account, visit ezpassde.com, stop by the E-ZPassDE Customer Service Center in Downtown Dover, or call 1-888-397-2773.
