Americans reported losing $470M to text scams
In 2024, Americans reported losing $470 million to scams that started with text messages, according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission.
Scripps News
- A scam impersonating the Massachusetts RMV is going around the Bay State.
- The scam threatens “enforcement actions” if the payment is not made.
- Massachusetts residents should also beware of text messages or emails which claim to be from MassDOT, fraudulently claiming money is owed for tolls.
If you’ve been getting text messages claiming you owe money to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, be careful.
It’s a scam.
“The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is alerting the public to a scam circulating currently which involves texts stating a person owes money for outstanding motor vehicle violations and that the individual should contact the RMV immediately,” according to a release from the RMV this week.
“The RMV will never text residents looking for payment for fines or for transactions,” the release added.
“Scam artists often create urgency to manipulate members of the public into paying fees which are fraudulent and we urge everyone to be vigilant when they receive a communication stating they owe money,” Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said in a written statement this week. “
Here’s how to avoid this scam.
What are the details of the scam?
The text scam targeting individuals notifies those individuals, in part, that the communication is a “Final Notice: Unpaid Traffic Violation – Payment Required.”
The scam also threatens “enforcement actions” if the payment is not made. The text states that part of the punishment for not paying the fine will include the loss of a driving license and registration.
Does the RMV typically text people looking for money?
The answer is no.
“The RMV only accepts payments in-person or on the official RMV website: www.mass.gov/RMV,” according to the RMV release.
What should someone do if they receive one of these suspicious texts?
The text should be deleted, according to the RMV.
“In addition, customers should beware of text messages or emails which claim to be from MassDOT, perhaps fraudulently claiming money is owed for tolls,” the RMV stated in the release. “These communications often are dangerous phishing scams and not official MassDOT and RMV sources. These fraudulent texts and emails may include links, which do not lead to official MassDOT or RMV websites, and customers should not follow the links nor reply to these messages with personal information.”
These scams are gaining steam in this digital age
The RMV reported that other scams that have been reported in recent years “include the use of fake websites, purported to be official government websites.
Residents should avoid using any unofficial third-party websites claiming to assist with RMV services.
Here are some additional tips from the RMV:
- In Massachusetts, the term “Registry of Motor Vehicles” and “RMV” are used, so log off if the site references the “DMV” or the “Department of Motor Vehicles.”
- At Mass.Gov/RMV, a person will never be charged to check on the status of a license, registration or title.
- At Mass.Gov/RMV, there is no charge to access Registry forms and information.
- At Mass.Gov/RMV, there is no charge to change an address on file.
Where can people keep track of the recent scams?
The RMV posts online to warn about scams on platforms like X (@MassRMV), adding that a warning regarding third party websites remains featured in the RMV’s Driver’s Manual: Driver’s manuals | Mass.gov.
Customers with additional questions about scams can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation at (617) 973-8787, or toll-free in Massachusetts at (888) 283-3757.
