A text message scam targeting Pennsylvania residents has evolved, now falsely claiming to be from the state’s DMV about unpaid traffic tickets, according to WGAL News 8 consumer investigator Brian Roche.
The scam threatens suspension of vehicle registration and driver’s licenses if recipients do not respond and pay, and includes a link to click for payment.
The scam messages originate from the 971-area code, which is located in northwestern Oregon, not Pennsylvania.
The state DMV does not enforce outstanding traffic tickets; this is handled by law enforcement.
Additionally, the message cites a Pennsylvania administrative code that does not exist, and the link provided has been safely checked and found to be disabled.
The FBI has issued several warnings about these text scams, claiming they have been linked to hacking groups based in China.
The latest reports show the messages are being sent out in group texts, with one instance involving nine people.
We don’t know what that means, but we’re working to find out.
Do not click on links in suspicious text messages.
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