Ocean Springs police warn of DMV text scam
Ocean Springs police on Friday warned residents about a text-message scam that falsely claims to come from the Mississippi Department of Motor Vehicles and demands immediate payment for unpaid traffic fines.
The department said the message tells recipients their driver’s license or vehicle registration will be suspended unless they pay through a supplied link by March 12, 2026. The communication cites penalties including an updated DMV violation record, vehicle registration suspension beginning March 13, a 30-day driver’s license suspension, an additional 35% service fee and possible legal action or credit effects.
The message directs recipients to a fraudulent payment URL. Ocean Springs police said the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and DMV will not send text messages demanding immediate payment through unofficial links and urged recipients not to click the link or provide personal or financial information.
Police advised people to delete the message, report it as spam and check the status of their license or fines only by contacting the Mississippi Department of Public Safety through its official website or phone number. State driver licensing agencies typically use official mail, authenticated websites and published phone numbers to communicate about fines and suspensions.
Please share this warning to help prevent others from becoming victims. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
