Every day, thousands of people receive text messages that look like official notices from their state’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
But many of these messages are scams designed to steal your personal information. These are called MVA text scams, and they are becoming more common and more convincing.
This blog post will help you understand what these scams are, how they work, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Key Takeaways
- MVA text scams are fake messages pretending to be from your state’s DMV or MVA. They try to trick you into giving personal or financial information.
- Scammers use urgent language and threats like license suspension or fines to pressure you into quick action.
- Links in these texts often lead to fake websites that look real but are designed to steal your data.
- Never click on links or reply to suspicious texts. Always verify by contacting your DMV or MVA directly.
- If you think you’ve been scammed, report it immediately to authorities and monitor your financial accounts closely.
What Are MVA Text Scams?
MVA text scams are a type of fraud where scammers send fake text messages pretending to be from your state’s Motor Vehicle Administration or Department of Motor Vehicles. These messages often claim you owe money for unpaid tickets, tolls, or fees. The goal is to trick you into clicking on a link or giving out personal details like your driver’s license number, credit card info, or Social Security number.
These scams are a form of smishing—phishing done through SMS texts. They are dangerous because they look official and create a sense of urgency, making people act without thinking.
How Do MVA Text Scams Work?
Scammers start by sending you a text that looks like it’s from your state’s MVA or DMV. The message might say you have an unpaid ticket or a problem with your vehicle registration. It often threatens consequences like license suspension or fines if you don’t act fast.
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The text usually includes a link to a fake website that looks very similar to the real MVA site. When you visit this site, you’re asked to enter personal and financial information. Once scammers have this data, they can steal your identity or money.
Sometimes, the scam texts ask you to reply with a simple “Y” to confirm your information, then send you a link to copy and paste into your browser. This is another trick to avoid automatic link blocking.
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Unsolicited texts: Official MVAs rarely send unexpected texts asking for personal info.
- Urgent language: Messages that pressure you to act immediately or face penalties.
- Threats: Warnings about license suspension, fines, or legal action.
- Suspicious links: URLs that look official but have odd spellings or extra words.
- Requests for sensitive info: Asking for your Social Security number, credit card, or driver’s license details.
- Poor grammar or spelling: Many scam texts contain mistakes or awkward phrasing.
If you notice any of these signs, be very cautious.
Common Scam Tactics
Scammers use several tricks to make their messages convincing:
- Impersonation: They pretend to be from your state’s MVA or DMV.
- Fake websites: They create sites that look real but are designed to steal your data.
- Urgency and fear: They use threats to make you act quickly without checking.
- Non-clickable links: Sometimes they ask you to reply first, then send a link to copy and paste.
- Use of official-sounding terms: Including words like “.gov” or “ezpass” to seem authentic.
Knowing these tactics helps you spot scams before it’s too late.
How to Protect Yourself from MVA Text Scams
- Don’t click on links or reply to suspicious texts. Ignore messages that ask for personal info.
- Verify with official sources. Visit your state’s official MVA or DMV website or call their official phone number.
- Use trusted contact methods. Never use phone numbers or links provided in suspicious texts.
- Keep your personal info private. Don’t share your driver’s license number, Social Security number, or credit card details over text.
- Install security software. Use apps that can detect and block scam messages.
What to Do If You Are Targeted
If you receive a suspicious MVA text:
- Do not respond or click any links.
- Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile carrier.
- Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
- Contact your bank immediately if you clicked a link or shared financial info.
- Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
- Consider placing a credit freeze to protect your credit report.
How to Report MVA Text Scams
Reporting scams helps protect others. Here’s how:
- Forward the scam text to 7726 (SPAM). This alerts your phone carrier.
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Use their website at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- File a complaint with the FBI’s IC3. Visit ic3.gov.
- Notify your state’s MVA or DMV. Many have dedicated fraud reporting pages.
- Tell your local police if you lost money or personal info.
Prevention Tips to Stay Safe
- Be skeptical of unexpected texts. If you didn’t request info, don’t trust the message.
- Bookmark your state’s official MVA website. Always use it to check your account or pay fees.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your online DMV accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication if available.
- Educate family and friends about these scams to keep everyone safe.
Real-Life Examples of MVA Text Scams
In Maryland, many people have reported receiving texts claiming to be from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration. These messages warn of unpaid tickets or toll charges and threaten license suspension. The texts include links to fake websites that look like the official MVA site but steal personal data.
Some victims reported replying “Y” to confirm their info, then receiving a link to copy into their browser. Others clicked links directly and unknowingly gave scammers access to their credit card and Social Security numbers.
These scams have caused financial loss and identity theft for many. Sharing these stories helps raise awareness.
Future Trends in MVA Text Scams
As technology advances, scammers are getting smarter. Future MVA text scams may:
- Use more realistic fake websites with better design.
- Employ personalized messages using stolen data.
- Use voice calls or social media to follow up.
- Exploit new communication tools like Rich Communication Services (RCS).
- Target more states and expand their reach.
Staying informed and cautious is the best defense.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the MVA or DMV send me text messages?
A: Usually, they do not send unsolicited texts asking for personal or payment info. Always verify through official channels.
Q: What should I do if I clicked a scam link?
A: Contact your bank immediately, monitor your accounts, and consider a credit freeze.
Q: How can I tell if a link is fake?
A: Look for misspellings, unusual domain names, or extra words. When in doubt, don’t click.
Q: Is replying “Y” to a scam text safe?
A: No. Replying can confirm your number is active and lead to more scam messages.
Q: Where can I report MVA text scams?
A: Forward the text to 7726, report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov.
