DON’T GET SMISHED! RMV chief warns residents against new text scam

Fraudulent text messages tell drivers to pay phony traffic tickets, other bills

By Steve Freker

Don’t get “smished”!

Cybercriminals are relentless and the public is being urged to be aware of a new scam unfolding on your personal cellphone. Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles chief Colleen Oglivie on Tuesday warned Massachusetts residents about a new, massive scam involving fraudulent text messages sent to cellphones requesting payments and personal financial information. A text message purporting to be from the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is being used to scam residents, officials said.

This is a scam, according to Oglivie, who serves as Mass. Registrar of Motor Vehicles. “Be vigilant if you receive this kind of text message and never click on any links included,” Oglivie warned. “The RMV or DOT will never text anyone seeking any type of payment.”

Mass. state officials also warned residents to never share or provide personal financial information, such as credit card or bank account numbers or PINs.

The latest version of the phony text messages appears to be a “final notice” from MassDOT that tells people they have an outstanding traffic ticket and threatens to suspend their registration and driving privileges if they don’t submit payment by a certain date. The fake messages are what’s known as “smishing,” a scam in which cybercriminals use texts in an attempt to trick people into providing personal information or sending money to them. A previous, widespread “smishing” scam used texts claiming to be from “E-ZPass Toll Services,” instructing drivers to pay outstanding toll balances.

Here are some tips and advice for residents seeking to avoid becoming a victim of the ongoing scams.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be wary of unsolicited messages: Don’t click on links or call numbers from unknown senders.
• Verify the sender: If you’re unsure about a message, contact the company or service directly through their official website or phone number.
• Don’t share sensitive information via text: Banks and other legitimate organizations will not ask for your personal information through text messages.
• Be cautious of urgent requests: Scammers often use urgency to pressure you into making rash decisions.
• Report suspicious messages: If you receive a suspicious message, report it to your phone carrier and relevant authorities.