DMV warns of phishing scams using scare tactics and fake penalties

California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning residents about a surge in phishing scams involving fake text messages, emails, and phone calls. These DMV phishing scams often threaten license suspension or arrest to trick recipients into clicking malicious links.

According to the DMV, scammers are targeting large numbers of people with messages claiming unpaid toll fees, traffic fines, or offering discounts on vehicle registration. Some messages falsely request updates to Real ID information.

The messages often contain urgent language, pressuring recipients to act quickly by clicking a link. Once clicked, victims risk having their devices compromised or personal and financial information stolen.

Scammers may also impersonate the DMV through ads on social media or email, offering fake registration discounts. These messages can lead to the theft of sensitive details, including vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

The DMV emphasized that it never requests driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, or financial information via text, email, or unsolicited phone calls. Officials advise users not to click on suspicious links and to verify any communication by contacting DMV customer service at 800-777-0133 or visiting dmv.ca.gov.

Any website or message not directly linked to the official DMV site should be considered potentially fraudulent.

Similar impersonation scams are spreading through fake communications from agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA), Southern California Edison (SCE), and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Some scams use spoofed phone numbers and demand untraceable cryptocurrency payments.

A nationwide Pew Research Center survey released July 31 found that 73% of U.S. adults have received suspicious messages, and 24% reported personal data theft as a result. Many respondents said they encounter phishing attempts weekly.

Where to report scams

Suspicious emails, texts, or calls can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportphishing@apwg.org or ftc.gov.

BY HYOUNGJAE KIM   [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]