Ever received texts from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that ask you to pay unpaid tolls via an attached link? Watch out for these messages — they are a SCAM!

DMV Scams

We’ve highlighted various toll scams in the past year and now a new scam has emerged that impersonates the DMV, targeting drivers across various states, including Illinois, Georgia, California, New York, Florida, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and more.

Posing as local DMV agencies or other toll officials, such as E-Zpass or TxTag, scammers claim that you have unpaid tolls, overdue tickets, or other oustanding fees that must be paid using the attached links. Don’t fall for it!  

These links lead to a copycat version of the websites of these authorities. You could end up exposing your personal data, such as your credit card information or bank details. Watch out!

Below are more examples of what a fake DMV text might look like:

Toll scams

Toll scams evolve using various pretenses and impersonating different entities — but the baseline is the same:

1. Scammers send messages that contain links to fraudulent websites, urging you to use these links to pay a bogus fee, such as outstanding tolls or parking fees.
   
   
2. To add to the fears and sense of urgency, scammers might use keywords like “Final Notice” and mention potential penalties, such as additional fines or vehicle seizure, unless you make payments within a short deadline.
   
   
3. These websites are designed to steal any sensitive information entered into them.

Again, scammers aim to trick you into providing your personal details. Don’t let that happen!

DMV Scams: How to Stay Safe

Remember, the DMV and other regional tolls program officials will never request payments via text messages. If you mistakenly provide your information on a bogus toll scam site, scammers could potentially commit financial fraud or identity theft under your name.

If you receive any unexpected payment requests, the best practice is to directly contact the authority through official channels. Generally, if you weren’t anticipating a charge, consider it suspicious, and remember the following:

• Stay Cautious: If you receive such a text, pause and verify its legitimacy. Legitimate companies or government agencies will never ask for payment via text message.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck: With ScamCheck, you don’t need to question whether texts are legitimate or scams, because ScamCheck’s SMS Filter blocks scam and spam texts before they hit your inbox, giving you complete peace of mind.
• Check Official Sources: Visit the official website directly (not through links in the text message).
• Report Scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant authorities.

If you’ve made a payment already, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the charges.

ScamCheck: Your All-in-One Defense Against Scams

Available for both Android and iOS, ScamCheck offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology. Stay secure and scam-free. Here’s what Scam Check thinks of the Peach Pass scam text:

• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• Deepfake Scan: Detect deepfakes in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI face-swapping technology to alter their appearance.
• Web Guard: Surf the web safely, protected from malicious websites and annoying ads.

To download Trend Micro ScamCheck or to learn more, click the button below.

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