Scam texts impersonate Mississippi ‘DMV,’ officials warn
State officials are warning residents about a circulating scam that uses fake text messages claiming to be from Mississippi’s “DMV.” Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said the messages are fraudulent and that recipients should not click any links or pay fines requested through those texts.
The texts often demand payment of a supposed fine and sometimes threaten legal action if the recipient does not comply. Tindell said one obvious sign the message is fake is that Mississippi does not have an agency called a Department of Motor Vehicles.
Mississippi driver’s licensing and related services are handled by the state Department of Public Safety, officials noted. Scammers frequently impersonate government agencies by spoofing names, phone numbers or web links to try to induce people to reveal personal information or make payments.
Officials advise residents to ignore unsolicited messages that request payment through a link and to verify any notice by contacting the appropriate state agency through official channels. WLBT reported on the scam’s renewed circulation. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
