Massachusetts RMV Says Beware of This Texting Scam

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is putting out a warning: they will never correspond with residents by using text messages. Apparently, there has been a text "phishing" scam circulating not only around the Commonwealth, but in other states as well.

The scam employs one of the basic red flags of a phishing scam. No one likes getting correspondence from the DMV. It makes them nervous, and it puts them on edge. Getting a text like that can put you on your heels, and it takes you out of your right frame of mind, clouding your judgment.

The first clue is that the text comes in from the "DMV." Massachusetts, however, doesn't call this agency the DMV. We call it the Registry of Motor Vehicles, or the RMV. Once the text pops up on your phone, it asks you to click on a provided link to update your personal contact info. This is where they get you, because they now have your personal information.

The real RMV advises that you delete any text message that comes in from the "DMV" or the "Department of Motor Vehicles." The RMV also reminds the public that they will never send any unsolicited requests for personal and/or contact information to customers by text.

The only time you might get a text message from the RMV is if you first request one, or as a confirmation of a transaction you made.

Don't fall for this scam, and definitely don't give any personal information over a text message until you've spoken with someone at that agency.