Putnam County, Tennessee – A new text-message scam posing as the Tennessee DMV is circulating in Putnam County, prompting a public warning from the sheriff.
According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, several residents have reported receiving text messages claiming to be from the State of Tennessee DMV stating a “final warning” about an outstanding traffic ticket.
The message instructs recipients to click a link to submit payment. Officials say the message is fraudulent and part of a phishing scam designed to collect personal or financial information.
Sheriff Eddie Farris said government agencies do not request payments or sensitive information through unsolicited text messages.
“This is a scam,” Farris said in a public notice. “Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to trick people into giving up personal or financial information.”
Officials urge anyone who receives a similar message not to click the link and not to respond. Instead, residents should delete the message immediately.
The sheriff’s office also recommends blocking the number and contacting local authorities if there is uncertainty about whether a message is legitimate.
Authorities offered several tips to avoid falling victim to text-based scams:
- Never click links in text messages from unknown numbers.
- Contact the Sheriff’s Office if you are unsure whether a message is legitimate.
- Never provide personal or financial information through text messages.
- Delete suspicious messages and block the sender.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have reported similar scams targeting drivers by impersonating motor vehicle agencies or toll systems.
Officials say the goal is often to create urgency so victims quickly click malicious links.
The warning may be particularly relevant for students and young drivers who rely heavily on mobile communication, officials noted.
Residents who receive suspicious messages are encouraged to report them to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
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