Unscrupulous DMV text messages mislead New York residents into disclosing private data
Headline: Beware of Scam Texts Pretending to Be from New York's DMV and Tolling Agencies
New York residents are being targeted by scam texts posing as official messages from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), E-ZPass, MTA Bridges and Tunnels, and other tolling agencies. These texts are designed to steal personal and financial information, putting victims at risk of identity theft and unauthorized charges.
Urgent Language and Demanding Immediate Payment
One common characteristic of these scam texts is the use of urgent language demanding immediate payment for traffic tickets, E-ZPass fees, or toll fines. This pressure is intended to encourage recipients to take quick action without verifying the authenticity of the message.
Fake Websites and Outstanding Fines
These scam texts often claim outstanding fines or toll bills from plausible sources like "NY Toll Services" or references to Congestion Relief Zone tolls. They may also include suspicious links directing to fake websites designed to steal personal information.
Unsolicited Texts and Impersonation
Another feature of these scams is the use of unsolicited texts from unknown numbers. These texts often impersonate official agencies but never follow official communication protocols.
Official Agencies' Statements
It's important to note that the agencies (DMV, E-ZPass, MTA Bridges and Tunnels) emphasize they never request payment via text or ask for sensitive information in unsolicited messages. Scam texts may use realistic language and increasingly sophisticated techniques, including AI-generated content, to appear authentic.
Victims' Advice
Victims are urged to avoid clicking any links in such texts and to verify any suspicious notices directly through official agency websites or phone contacts rather than through the text message itself.
Targeted Demographics
Older adults and vulnerable residents are among the most common targets of these scams. If you've already clicked a suspicious link or shared your information, officials advise freezing your credit, monitoring account statements, running a virus scan, changing passwords, contacting your bank, and other companies where you have accounts.
Recent Increase in Scams
Since congestion pricing began earlier this year, scammers have ramped up fake messages about tolls. State cybersecurity experts warn of red flags such as poor grammar or spelling, threatening or urgent language, non-matching website links, requests for personal info via email or text, and unusual sender names or email addresses.
Avoiding Phishing Scams
The Department of Information Technology Services offers tips to avoid phishing scams. The DMV's website, dmv.ny.gov, now has a special section warning people about the scam. Governor Kathy Hochul has also warned about a wave of "spoofed" websites and phishing scams.
If unsure about a message's legitimacy, avoid clicking links and call the agency directly. Contact numbers for E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail are provided.
FingerLakes1.com, the region's leading all-digital news publication, founded in 1998 and keeping residents informed for more than two decades, is a reliable source for staying updated on these scams and other important news.
