Ohio BMV texting scam making a resurgence in Buckeye State
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is warning residents of a recent texting scam where scammers are claiming to be from the bureau.
A texting scam involving messages supposedly sent by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is making a resurgence.
“Ohio residents have reported receiving text messages from scammers claiming to be from BMV and informing the recipients that they have an outstanding traffic ticket,” the bureau said in a prepared statement in June. “The text then instructs the recipient to pay immediately to avoid a license suspension.”
Phishing scams similar to those reported in Ohio have been observed across the country.
“If you receive this text, do not fall for this scam,” Ohio BMV registrar Charlie Norman said in a prepared statement. “Do not click any links and delete the text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text demanding payment or requesting your personal information.”
What should I do if I receive a scam text claiming to be the Ohio BMV?
People who receive a scam text can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov. People who believe they may have been victims of scams are advised to contact local law enforcement.
Where else have DMV scams been reported?
Residents have been reporting DMV text scams frequently this summer. Many other states have warned residents about the ongoing scams, including Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, California, Michigan and North Carolina.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Is that text from Ohio BMV demanding payment a scam? What to know