Press Release  Registry Alerts Public About Text Scam

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is alerting the public of a new text message scam which tells recipients they owe money for driving infractions and that the recipient must immediately visit a fraudulent website to make payment that is due. Everyone should be suspicious of texts that tell the recipient it is urgent to act and make payments, as the RMV does not send people text messages requesting payment.  This new scam fraudulently claims to represent the RMV and even has in the payment URL letters that would lead a person to think the text was from the Massachusetts RMV.

"The RMV never texts individuals to communicate that they owe money and anyone receiving a text on their phone which asks for payment of ‘driving infractions’, tolls, fees or other unpaid balances, should immediately delete that text message,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.  “It is unfortunate that there are bad actors who have malicious intent.  The RMV does not send a payment link in a text.  We urge everyone to delete these texts, alert family and friends to this scam, and to only use the official RMV website: Mass.Gov/RMV.” 

This new text scam has the following content:  

“MASSACHUSETTS REGISTRY OF MOTOR VEHICLES FINAL OFFICIAL NOTICE.  Based on Massachusetts RMV files, you hold unsettled driving infractions. In accordance with M.G.L. c.90 § 22 & c.90C § 3, complete settlement shall be finished by May 18. Failure to abide shall bring about compulsory official penalties: Starting May 19: Automobile Enrollment will be entirely CANCELLED. Before all outstanding dues are cleared: Operator Permit gets PERMANENT HALT. Unpaid dues shall be forwarded for civil ruling and liable to highest legal charges and sanctions.  Pay Traffic Tickets Online...”(the scam link URL is here)...”Reply Y, then reopen this message to tap the link, or copy and paste it into your browser.  

ACT NOW TO AVOID LOSS OF DRIVING PRIVILEGES.” 

MassDOT regularly urges members of the public to be cautious about text and phone scams demanding payment of outstanding balances.  Customers should not click links contained in those messages.    

MassDOT is underscoring that:    

• The RMV will never request payment by text. 
• EZDriveMA will never request payment by text.  
• All links associated with the RMV are at Mass.Gov/RMV and for Massachusetts toll collections at EZDriveMA: www.EZDriveMA.com .   

The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:   

• File a complaint with the IC3, www.ic3.gov and be sure to include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.   
• For RMV information, check your account using the RMV website. Contact the RMV using the customer service number at (857) 368-8000.  
• For EZDriveMA information, check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.  Contact the toll service's customer service phone number at (877) 627-7745.   
• Delete any smishing texts received.   
• If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.   

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