TxDMV WARNING TEXANS ABOUT TEXT SCAMS

  

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) is alerting the public about scam text messages that make threats of fines in order to gain personal or financial information.

According to a TxDMV news release shared by the Washington County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office, citizens have reported receiving messages urging them to pay fines through a link to avoid penalties due to unpaid traffic tickets, toll violations or other infractions.  The messages threaten the recipient with suspension of vehicle registration, loss of driving privileges or even prosecution.

TxDMV said it is not a law enforcement agency and does not issue or collect fines for traffic or toll violations.  It also does not send unsolicited text messages regarding alleged registration violations.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message is urged to not click any links or share any personal information.  They are asked to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.