Giannoulias Warns About Rise in DMV Text Scams Citing January 17 Enforcement

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans to lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles.” The messages threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges, while falsely claiming that enforcement actions will begin tomorrow, January 17th. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office never sends text messages requesting personal or financial information.

These text messages are phishing, or “smishing,” attempts designed to trick residents into giving up personal or financial information. Recipients should not respond to these messages or open any links found in unsolicited texts and emails.

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office does not send text messages demanding payment for traffic fines or requesting driver’s license or vehicle registration information. The only text messages sent by the office are appointment reminders for scheduled DMV appointments.

“Scammers are constantly trying to find new ways to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,” Giannoulias said. “These deceptive scams are unfortunately an increasingly prevalent threat in our modern society, and they’re coming from many sources, including phone calls, text messages and email communications. I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, avoid engaging with these messages and report scams to help protect themselves and others.”

Illinoisans are encouraged to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting reportfraud.ftc.gov.

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