Have you received a text message claiming to be from the New York DMV with a reference like NY‑DMV‑26‑92173 FINAL COURT‑ORDERED and urgent threats about fines, license suspension, or court action? You’re not alone — this is a sophisticated phishing scam targeting people across the United States. These texts are not sent by any official government agency and are designed to trick you into revealing personal information or paying fake fines.
In this post, we’ll explain how this scam operates, how to identify it, and the exact steps you should take if you see it.
What Is the NY‑DMV‑26‑92173 Scam Text?
The NY‑DMV‑26‑92173 FINAL COURT‑ORDERED message is a type of smishing scam — that is, a phishing attempt sent via SMS. Scammers pretend to be the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and use official‑sounding language to create fear and urgency. Their goal is to get you to:
- Click malicious links
- Enter personal details (name, address, driver’s license number, etc.)
- Enter financial information (credit/debit card numbers)
These attempts are fraudulent and designed to harvest data or steal money.
What These Scam Texts Typically Say
Scam messages often include:
- A fake case or reference number like NY‑DMV‑26‑92173
- Legal‑sounding phrases such as “FINAL COURT‑ORDERED” or “MANDATORY PAYMENT REQUIRED”
- Threats of license suspension, legal prosecution, or credit score damage
- A link that appears official but is not associated with the legitimate DMV site
The screenshots of recent phishing examples show that these texts are becoming more elaborate and convincing.
How to Tell If It’s a Scam
Here are clear signs that a message is NOT from the real DMV:
1. Government Agencies Rarely Contact You by Text
Official agencies like the New York State DMV do not send court orders or fines via text message. Most legitimate notices are sent through mail or secure email.
2. The Reference Number Is Not Verifiable
Case numbers such as NY‑DMV‑26‑92173 have no official meaning and cannot be looked up in real DMV or court databases.
3. The Link Is Suspicious
Official DMV web pages use domain names ending in .gov and do not contain random characters or unfamiliar phrases.
4. The Message Uses Fear and Urgency
Threats of arrest, license suspension, or financial penalties are common tactics designed to push you into acting without verifying the source.
5. Requests for Personal Information
Legitimate government agencies never ask for personal data — like Social Security numbers, credit card info, or driver license details — through unsolicited texts.
What Happens If You Click the Link?
Clicking a scam link can lead to:
- A fake DMV‑like website that harvests your personal or financial data
- Malware or spyware installation on your device
- Identity theft
These sites often look authentic, copying colors, logos, and layouts from real government websites to deceive users.
What You Should Do
If you receive a message like this:
❌ Do NOT:
- Click any links
- Reply to the message
- Enter any personal or financial information
✔️ Do:
- Delete the message
- Block the sender on your phone
- Report it to your mobile carrier as spam
- Report it to the official government fraud reporting sites listed below
Official Resources to Report and Learn More
Here are some trusted links where you can learn more about scams and report them:
- New York State DMV Phishing Information (official): https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/phishing‑attacks — detailed information about common phishing scams and how to protect yourself.
- Phishing Example Gallery (official): https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/phishing‑examples — real examples of past scam texts and emails.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Report Frauds: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov — report scam texts, emails, or phone calls to the FTC.
- FTC Consumer Advice on Phishing: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how‑recognize‑and‑avoid‑phishing‑scams — guidance from the U.S. government on spotting phishing attempts.
Are Other States Affected Too?
Yes. Scam texts claiming to be from state DMVs have been reported in multiple states, not just New York. These messages often threaten unpaid tolls, traffic tickets, or fines. State authorities — including DMVs across the country — are issuing warnings and asking residents to ignore such messages.
How to Avoid Similar Scams in the Future
- Never click links in unsolicited text messages
- Verify claims independently by visiting official agency websites directly
- Keep your devices updated with security software
- Enable spam and phishing filters on your phone
- Educate family and friends about common signs of scams
Final Thoughts
The “NY‑DMV‑26‑92173 FINAL COURT‑ORDERED” text is not real. These scam texts are part of a broader trend of criminals using fear‑based messages to trick people into giving up personal or financial data.
Remember: Official government agencies do not send fines or legal threats through text messages, and you should never click suspicious links or enter information unless you are absolutely sure the communication is legitimate
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