DMV "license suspension" text scam
Texts claiming to be from the DMV say you have an unpaid traffic violation and that your license will be suspended unless you pay through a link. State DMVs do not collect fines this way.
How this scam works
A small fine plus a big threat makes paying feel easier than checking. The link opens a look-alike payment page that steals your card details.
Common versions of the message
- An outstanding traffic violation
- A threat to suspend your license
- A small fine due by tomorrow
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 018-5530
DMV NOTICE: You have an outstanding traffic violation. Pay the $35 fine by tomorrow or your driver's license will be suspended and reported. Pay now: http://dmv-payment-center.top/pay
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Vague violation: “outstanding traffic violation”
No date, place, or ticket number to check
The message names no date, place, or ticket number you could check. Real notices do.
- 2
Scare tactic: “license will be suspended”
The DMV does not suspend licenses by text
The suspension threat is there to scare you. Check your record on your state DMV's official site.
- 3
Suspicious link: “dmv-payment-center.top”
Real state DMV sites end in .gov
Real state DMV websites end in .gov. This link does not.
What to do
- Do not tap the link or reply.
- Check for any real violations on your state DMV's .gov website.
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) and delete it.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you entered card details, call the number on your card right away.
- If you entered your driver's license number or date of birth, watch for identity theft and consider a credit freeze.
- Be careful of follow-up messages that use the details you shared.
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