(The Chautauqua County DMV office in Jamestown, NY. Local officials are urging residents to stay alert as phishing scams posing as DMV communications continue to target New Yorkers.)
MAYVILLE, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging residents to be cautious of a recent phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the DMV. These deceptive texts falsely state that recipients owe fines and attempt to trick them into revealing personal information.
This warning follows a broader statewide alert issued by the New York State DMV regarding ongoing scams that misuse trusted names to exploit unsuspecting individuals. These attacks often imitate official communications and may appear legitimate at first glance.
“These scams are deeply concerning because they prey on the trust residents place in government agencies,” said Kerri R. Smith, Motor Vehicle Administrator for Chautauqua County DMV locations. “Our offices will never text customers asking for personal information or payment. If you receive one of these messages, delete it immediately and do not click on any links.”
The fraudulent messages are part of a broader trend in phishing tactics, where scammers seek to obtain sensitive information like Social Security numbers, bank account details, or driver license numbers. In some cases, these messages may also install malicious software on a user’s device if links are clicked.
DMV officials remind the public:
- Do not share personal information via email or text.
- Do not click on suspicious links, even if the message appears to come from a legitimate source.
- Check for red flags, such as misspellings, threats of suspension, or unfamiliar URLs.
- Report suspicious messages to the appropriate authorities.
“Protecting your identity starts with being vigilant,” Smith added. “When in doubt, contact your local DMV office directly or visit the official DMV website for accurate information.”
To learn more about current scams or report a suspicious message, visit the New York State DMV website at dmv.ny.gov/more-info/phishing-attacks.
