BOSTON – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is reminding residents to beware of fraudulent text messages that ask for payment for tolls or violations by using a link sent to a person’s cell phone. MassDOT divisions will never ask for payment at a link embedded into a text message.
“If you receive a text message telling you to make a payment or that you need to act quickly, do not click the link. We continue to hear disturbing accounts from the public that a text message scam is continuing,” said Colleen Ogilvie, Registrar of Motor Vehicles. “The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will never ask for payment at a link in a text. Recipients should immediately delete text messages saying fines are owed, licenses and registration will be revoked, or a collection agency is being notified – these are deceitful and fraudulent messages.”
Attempts have been made in Massachusetts and several other states to trick individuals into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information, directing them to websites to pay outstanding balances. The RMV and MassDOT Highway Division strongly encourage customers not to click links contained in such messages. Unfortunately, scam artists have evolved to using more believable words and phrases in their fraudulent messages, including “Per order of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles,” and “This document constitutes a formal final demand for payment.” These communications are all fraudulent and should be deleted immediately…