State, local agencies warning about nationwide DMV phishing scam

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - A new scam involving the impersonation of the Department of Motor Vehicles is circulating across the United States, including here in Alabama, prompting state agencies and local law enforcement to issue warnings to the public.

The phishing scam sees individuals receiving texts or emails from the “Alabama Department of Vehicles (DMV),” or whatever other state that the person lives in, indicating they have an outstanding ticket and that they must pay the ticket immediately or else lose their driving privileges and see their registration suspended.

The message then includes a malicious link for the person to click on and submit their personal information to.

In Alabama, multiple agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the Department of Revenue (ALDOR), and even local agencies like the Headland Police Department in the Wiregrass.

“Scammers are trying to create a false sense of urgency by threatening you and your driving privileges,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “We urge all Alabamians to be cautious and remember that our Agency will never contact you this way.”

“ALDOR does not enforce traffic laws or penalize people for unpaid tickets,” said the state Department of Revenue in a statement. “Also be aware that an ‘Alabama Department of Vehicles’ does not actually exist.”

Headland Police also said in a statement on social media that the scam might also extend to similar messaging being sent by someone claiming to be with “Alabama Toll Services” for an unpaid toll booth fee.

State law enforcement agencies and the driver’s license division will never send text messages threatening prosecution and asking for immediate payment or personal information, and ALEA said these types of messages need to be deleted immediately.

ALEA also said if you receive these types of scam messages, you can report the phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

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