Lansing, MI – A new text message scam impersonating the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles is circulating statewide, prompting warnings from state police about potential fraud targeting residents’ personal and financial information.
According to the Michigan State Police, scammers are sending fake texts claiming to be a “Final Notice” from the “Michigan State Department of Vehicles.” The message alleges that recipients have outstanding traffic violations and must pay fines by June 10 to avoid penalties such as license suspension, vehicle registration cancellation, and damage to their credit score.
The fraudulent message directs recipients to a phishing website disguised with a Michigan government URL format. The message urges recipients to click a suspicious link and submit payment to avoid legal consequences. Police have confirmed the messages are not legitimate and emphasize that the Michigan Secretary of State does not contact individuals via text to collect fines or demand payments.
Authorities are asking anyone who receives such messages to avoid clicking links, not respond in any form, and immediately delete the texts. Users should also consider reporting the scam as junk to their wireless carriers and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
State police urge residents to verify the authenticity of government communications through official state websites or by contacting the Secretary of State’s office directly. Officials are also reminding the public to be cautious of messages that create a false sense of urgency or threaten legal action in an attempt to solicit sensitive information.
No confirmed financial losses have been reported as of Monday, but investigators continue to monitor for related phishing attempts and advise residents to remain vigilant.
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