VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is warning the community of a text message scheme in which scammers pose as the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
Citizens have been receiving threatening text messages to pay an outstanding traffic ticket. The text reads as follows:
Outstanding traffic ticket due by June 1st, if you do not comply by June 1st, we will take the following actions:
Report to DMV violation data base, suspend vehicle registration starting June 2nd, suspend driving privileges for 30 days, transfer to toll booth and charge 35% service fee, you may be prosecuted, and your credit score will be affected.
The VBSO advises the public to not click the link included in the text and to delete the message.
The Virginia DMV also reminds people that they will not send texts to demand payment.
“The DMV will never send you text messages demanding payment for fines or fees,” DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey said. “We urge our customers to be vigilant and avoid sending your personal information via text.”
Individuals who have received a scam text can report the scam to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission here.