State officials are urging the public to be aware of a scam targeting Delawareans.
State officials are urging the public to be aware of a scam targeting Delawareans.
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging Delawareans not to click on links in suspicious text messages.
This latest reminder comes after a new short message service (SMS) phishing scam has surfaced, referencing the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. The scam alert states the recipient has an outstanding traffic violation and needs to “click on a link” to pay the amount due by a specific date to avoid the suspension of their vehicle registration and driving privileges.
These text message alerts, officials said, are a scam designed to trick recipients into paying an undisclosed amount, while also gaining access to their personal, private and financial data. The DMV urged all residents and customers not to click on any links soliciting money for unpaid traffic violations, toll violations or account replenishment. The Delaware DMV and E-ZPass Delaware will not contact customers via email or text to demand payment for a violation.
“Please, no matter who the message is from, don’t click on a link to initiate a payment of any type unless you are confident the message is legit,” said DMV Director Amy Anthony. “When we see something like this, our initial reaction is to panic and do whatever the message is asking of us. These scammers know that. They are counting on it.
“My best advice is, if it looks suspicious, it probably is. If you are unsure, take a moment and then reread the message. Typically, you will see the red flags the second time around,” continued Anthony.
Anyone who receives a suspicious text or email can report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. When reporting, include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
Anyone who clicks on a suspicious link or has provided sensitive information to an unknown source should secure their personal information and financial accounts, and dispute any unfamiliar charges with their financial institutions and credit card companies.
For information about licenses or vehicle registration, log on to the MyDMV account at myDMV.delaware.gov, or call (302) 744-2500 or email [email protected]. For information about an E-ZPass account, visit ezpassde.com, stop by the E-ZPassDE Customer Service Center in Downtown Dover, or call 1-888-397-2773.
Go… Read More >>Nominations open for Women’s Hall of Fame, She’s On Her Way Awards
Th… Read More >>Lord Baltimore Women’s Club announces scholarship opportunity
Th… Read More >>Women’s Club of Indian River opens scholarship applications
Gu… Read More >>Annual Night to Shine prom event calls for ‘paparazzi’ and buddies
The Coastal Point is a local newspaper published each Friday and distributed in the Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville, Dagsboro, Frankford, Selbyville, Millsboro, Long Neck and Georgetown, Delaware areas.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: