Florida FLHSMV DMV Text Scam: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

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Fraudsters are targeting Florida drivers with a text message scam claiming to be from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or the “DMV.” These deceptive messages attempt to trick recipients into paying bogus fines or traffic tickets by threatening license suspension, registration loss, or other penalties. This guide explains how the scam works, how to identify it, and what to do if you receive one.

Official warning: The Florida FLHSMV clearly states that they will never contact residents via text message demanding payment or threatening suspension or arrest. FL Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

What Is the Florida FLHSMV DMV Text Scam?

In this scam, fraudsters send unsolicited SMS messages claiming that you have:

An unpaid traffic ticket or unpaid toll fee.
A driver’s license or vehicle registration at risk of suspension unless you pay immediately.

These texts contain a link to a fraudulent website designed to resemble the real FLHSMV site or other government pages. Scammers may also use fake legal language, such as mentioning a non‑existent Florida Administrative Code (e.g., “15C‑16.003”), to make the message appear official. Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Key point: FLHSMV will never send texts demanding payment or personal information. Legitimate notifications come through mail or secure online portals. FL Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

How the Scam Works

Typically, the scam message will:

Claim you owe money for an unpaid ticket or toll.
Threaten severe consequences such as license suspension, vehicle registration cancellation, or penalties for legal action.
Include a link to a fake website that looks official but is designed to capture personal or payment information.
Use urgent or threatening language to pressure you to act immediately. Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

In some scam examples reported publicly, fraudsters listed consequences like:

Reporting you to a violations database.
Suspending your vehicle registration.
Affecting your credit score or threatening prosecution.
Charging fake service fees. Online Threat Alerts (OTA)

Recognizing a Scam: Red Flags to Watch For

Be suspicious of any text message that includes:

Urgent deadlines demanding immediate payment.
Threats of suspension or legal action.
Links to websites that do not end in “.gov”.
Requests for personal or financial details through text message.
Suspicious grammar, spelling errors, or mismatched agency names (e.g., “DMV” instead of FLHSMV). legitandscam.com

Local officials in Miami‑Dade and other counties have confirmed that these messages may mimic official domains to mislead residents into clicking fraudulent links. NBC 6 South Florida

What You Should Not Do

If you receive a suspicious message:

Do not click any links in the text.
Do not respond or call any numbers provided.
Do not make payments via text or to unofficial websites.
Do not provide personal or financial information.

Clicking phishing links can expose your phone or computer to malware and compromise your identity or finances.

What You Should Do

Here are the safest steps:

Delete the message immediately.
Report the scam:
- Report to your mobile carrier using spam reporting features.
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.
If you believe you may actually have a legitimate ticket or fine, visit the official FLHSMV website directly at www.flhsmv.gov or use the secure online portal at services.flhsmv.gov to verify your records. Constitutional Tax Collector

Sharing information with family, friends, or colleagues can help protect others from falling victim to these scams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does FLHSMV send text messages about fines or tickets?
A: No. Official notifications from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are sent through mail or secure online systems, not unsolicited text messages. FL Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles

Q2: What should I do if I accidentally clicked on a scam link?
A: Disconnect from the internet, run a full security scan on your device, change sensitive passwords, and report the incident to the FTC and IC3.

Q3: How can I check my license or ticket status safely?
A: Go directly to the official FLHSMV site at www.flhsmv.gov or use services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/ rather than relying on links from unknown sources. Constitutional Tax Collector

Q4: Who should I report a scam text to?
A: Report it to your mobile carrier, the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov), and the IC3 (www.ic3.gov). You can also report to your local law enforcement agency.

Q5: What are common signs a text message is fake?
A: Look for urgent threats, suspicious links that are not .gov domains, requests for personal data, and errors in grammar or official names. legitandscam.com

Q6: Can these scams affect my identity?
A: Yes. Scammers often try to collect personal information that could lead to identity theft or financial fraud if you enter your details on fake sites.

Q7: Are similar scams happening outside Florida?
A: Yes. DMV and toll scams are occurring across multiple states, with fraudsters impersonating government agencies to steal money or personal information. TIME

Stay Informed and Protected

Scammers continually adapt their tactics to make messages appear more believable, including mimicking official names or domains. Always remember:

Government agencies, including FLHSMV, do not demand payments through text messages.
When in doubt, verify independently via official websites or phone numbers.
Never provide sensitive information to unknown contacts. FL Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles