(BBB Upstate NY)
Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York is alerting the public to another phishing text message scam making the rounds, this time claiming to be from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Cell phone users have reported receiving a message claiming their license and registration will be suspended if they don’t pay for an outstanding traffic ticket. BBB reminds the public that the DMV will never contact individuals via text message asking for personal or payment information.
Phishing scams, also known as SMS or smishing scams, have been on the rise in recent years. According to a BBB study, reports of phishing scams doubled from 2022-2023 and broke a record in 2024. They are the #2 most frequently reported scam to BBB of Upstate NY.
BBB has also received reports of phony New York State toll collection notice text message scams in the past year. BBB reminds consumers not to engage with any suspicious messages like this. Any phishing message should be deleted and marked as spam.
As a reminder, anyone who receives a scam message should report it using BBB Scam Tracker.