DMV puts out warning on text message scam demanding immediate payments

CONCORD - The New Hampshire Department of Safety's Division of Motor Vehicles is notifying Granite State drivers of a new text message scam in which recipients are asked to submit immediate payment to resolve an unpaid traffic fine. The text messages are fake and should be deleted immediately.

On Saturday the DMV learned of widespread text messages sent to New Hampshire residents, which claim to be an "automatic alert" informing recipients they have "unresolved traffic violations". According to a DMV release, the scam further threatens prompt enforcement actions, including the suspension of the recipient's vehicle registration, driver's license restrictions, administrative fees, negative driving record impacts, as well as potential civil action and credit implications if immediate payment is not made.

The scam also provides a link for payment, which includes "dmv-nh" in the URL, an effort to appear to be an official State of New Hampshire website.

"These text scams use urgency to pressure recipients into making a quick payment," said DMV Director John Marasco. "Anyone who receives a text message claiming to be from the New Hampshire DMV should not submit payment or any personal information. Instead, delete the message right away."

The New Hampshire DMV never sends text messages regarding payments. The only text messages sent by the DMV are appointment reminders. Anyone who feels unsure about a communication from the DMV should contact the DMV Customer Service line directly at (603) 227-4000 during regular business hours.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of a scam or identity theft should consider filing a report with their local police department, reviewing personal credit reports, and setting up fraud alerts or a credit freeze. Identity theft victims can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov or call 1(877) 438-4338.