Annoyed by all those SunPass text scams?
Now there are text messages going out warning that your Florida driver’s license will be suspended if you don’t take care of an unpaid traffic ticket.
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles warned the text has been reported throughout the state and the threat is serious.
Here’s what you should know.
Florida DMV text scam ‘serious threat’
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is warning drivers about a recent text message scam targeting Floridians.
“The scam claims the recipient has an unpaid traffic ticket and threatens to suspend their driver license and vehicle registration if payment is not made immediately through a fraudulent link.”
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said it has received reports of the scam across the state. “While the full extent of the scam is unknown, the threat is serious.”
Text scam threatens driver’s license will be suspended if ticket not paid
Language in the text scam warns: “Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. If you do not complete payment … we will take the following actions”:
Text scam includes link to pay ‘outstanding traffic ticket’
The text scam includes a link to supposedly pay the “outstanding traffic ticket” to “avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.”
DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINK!
“FLHSMV will never contact you via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest. If you receive a suspicious message:
How to report a scam
If you run into a scam, report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 866-9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online.
SunPass continues to warn Florida residents about phishing scam
Texts continue to go out to many SunPass customers, warning them about unpaid tolls. To avoid additional charges they need to “settle” their balance. A link is provided in the text message.
➤ Annoying SunPass text scams continue. Here’s what to do if, or when, you get one
Again, do not click on the link. It goes “to a fraudulent website in an attempt to collect information,” SunPass warned customers on its website.
Just like the Department of Motor Vehicles, “SunPass does not ask customers via text to make a payment or to take immediate action on their account.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Does Florida’s DMV send text messages? Scam threatens license suspension. What to do
Reporting by Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
