A new wave of scams has emerged making news across the Maine. Fraudsters send text messages claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the Maine Turnpike Authority’s E-ZPass. These messages often threaten recipients with dire consequences, such as suspension of vehicle registration or driving privileges, unless they pay an outstanding bill or fine immediately. The messages typically include a link that appears to lead to an official DMV or E-ZPass website but is actually a phishing site designed to steal personal information.

Here are examples of some fake texts:

DVM scam screenshot                            EZPass scam screenshot

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Do Not Click Links: If you receive a suspicious text, do not click on any links or respond to the message – Delete it! The DMV (Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles) will not request personal information via text.
  2. Verify with Official Sources: If you think the message might be real, contact the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or MTA’s E-ZPass directly through their official website or phone number.
  3. Report the Scam.  Report the text as spam/junk to your phone carrier.
  4. Report to Authorities: If you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and contact your bank!

Be vigilant and cautious when receiving unexpected messages from the DMV, Maine Turnpike Authority or any government agency. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s essential to verify any claims before taking action. If in doubt, always reach out to official sources for confirmation.