Received a threatening text claiming to be from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) about an unpaid ticket? Don’t panic – it’s likely a scam! Keep reading to learn how Ohio BMV text scams work and how to protect yourself.

How Ohio BMV Text Scams Work

We’ve reported on toll scams that impersonate vehicular departments or agencies several times this year, and now scammers are targeting Ohio drivers.

Posing as the Ohio BMV, scammers send out fake “final notices” via text messages:

The messages claim that you have an outstanding ticket to pay. To add to the urgency, scammers threaten that if you don’t pay soon, you might face consequences such as penalties or license suspension. That’s how scammers pressure you to make the payment via the attached link. 

The link doesn’t lead to the official Ohio BMV website (bmv.ohio.gov). Instead, it will take you to a fake website designed to collect your personal information and credit card credentials. Be cautious!

4 Common Red Fags

Below are some common red flags of such toll scams. If you ever encounter any of these, watch out, you may have become a target of a scam:

• Random demands for unpaid toll fees
• Urgent deadlines and threats of penalties like “immediate suspension”
• Non-official web addresses
• Requests for detailed personal information

Ohio BMV Text Scams: How to Stay Safe

If you mistakenly provide your information on a fake website, scammers could commit financial fraud or identity theft under your name. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Stay Cautious: If you receive a random payment request, pause and verify its legitimacy. Legitimate government agencies will never ask for payment via unsolicited email or text message.
• Use Trend Micro ScamCheck: When you’re not sure if something’s a scam, check with Trend Micro ScamCheck! Here’s what ScamCheck thinks of the Ohio BMV scam text:

• Check Official Sources: Visit the the official Ohio BMV websites directly (not through links in a text or email) to see if there is really an outstanding payment.
• Report Scams: If you encounter a scam, report it to the relevant authorities.

If you’ve tapped on the suspicious link or made a payment already, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the charges. Also, rememeber to monitor your bank account for any unauthorized activities.

ScamCheck: Your All-in-One Defense Against Scams

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

• Scam Radar: Stay ahead of scams via early warnings before you fall victim.
• Scam Check: Instantly analyze emails, texts, URLs, screenshots, and phone numbers with our AI-powered scam detection technology.
• SMS Filter & Call Block: Say goodbye to unwanted spam and scam calls and messages. Minimize daily disruptions and reinforce your defenses against phishing.
• AI Video Scan: Detect face-swapping scams in real-time during video calls, alerting you if anyone is using AI 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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