DMV scam texts: how to spot the fake traffic ticket or license warning
Quick answer
A text that claims to be from your state DMV about an overdue traffic ticket, with a link to pay, is probably a scam. Don't click or reply. Contact the DMV through a phone number or website you already know is real, and report the text to the FTC.
- Comes by
- Text
- Pretends to be
- State DMV
- Last updated
How it works
You get a text that looks like it's from a state DMV or traffic agency. It says you have an overdue ticket and warns that your registration, license or driving privileges will be suspended, sometimes adding a service fee, and gives a link to pay.
The FTC says texts like this are probably scams. The link leads to a payment page that collects your card number and personal details.
The FTC also warns that scammers pretend to be the DMV or another government agency in other ways, for example offering to let you skip a line if you pay or hand over information.
The DMV is the organization being impersonated. It isn't sending these texts.
Red flags
- An unexpected text about a ticket you don't recognize
- Threats to suspend your license or registration
- A link to pay and an added fee
- A sender that is a regular phone number or email address
- Pressure to pay right away
Example message
[State] DMV: Your traffic ticket is overdue. Pay now at [link] to avoid a late fee and suspension of your driving privileges.
What to do
- 1
Don't click or reply
Delete the text. Don't pay through the link.
- 2
Check with the DMV directly
Use a phone number or website you already know is real, or type your state DMV's website into your browser yourself.
- 3
If you paid or entered card details
Call your card issuer using the number on the back of the card, report the fraud and ask for a new card.
- 4
If you shared personal details
Change related passwords and turn on two-step verification. Our guide on what to do after a data breach covers the next steps.
- 5
Report the text
Report junk texts using your phone's report junk option or by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), then report to the FTC.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers often pick the state from your area code or address, which makes the text feel local. Names, phone numbers and addresses like these are easy to buy or look up on people-search sites, and they show up in data breaches. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list you and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details appear in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Does the DMV send texts demanding payment?
The FTC says a text about an overdue traffic ticket is probably a scam. Contact the DMV through a number or website you already know is real.
What should I do if I already paid?
Call your card issuer straight away, report the fraud and ask them to block the card or reverse the charge.
Where do I report a scam text?
Forward it to 7726 (SPAM) or use your phone's report junk option, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
