The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning Delaware motorists about suspicious text messages that appear to come from their department. The agency urges Delawareans not to click on links that seem suspicious.
A recent phishing scam through short-message service (SMS) or text has surfaced. The text claims that the recipient has an outstanding traffic violation and needs to “click on the link” to pay the amount due to avoid suspension of their vehicle registration and driving privileges.
“Please, no matter who the message is from, don’t click on a link to initiate payment of any type unless you are confident the message is legit,” DMV Director Amy Anthony said. “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 reread the message. Typically, you will see red flags the second time around.
DMV says that the message alerts are a scam designed to trick the recipient into paying an undisclosed amount, but they also allow the scammer access to their private, personal and financial data. They remind everyone that the DMV and EZPass Delaware will not contact you via email or text demanding payment. Requests for unpaid traffic violations, toll violations or account replenishment are never sent via text or email.
If you receive a suspicious text or email, report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. When reporting, please include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed in the text. If you have clicked on the link or provided sensitive information, secure personal information and financial accounts. Monitor accounts for suspicious activity and dispute anything that is unfamiliar.
To find out about your license or registration, log into your DMV account, call 302-744-2500 or send an email. To find out information on your EZPass account, visit them online, stop at the EZPass DE Customer Service Center in downtown Dover or call 1-888-397-2773.
