The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has alerted the public to a text message scam targeting residents with fake notices of unpaid motor vehicle violations. According to a press release, the messages falsely claim that recipients face penalties such as losing their driver’s license or vehicle registration if the supposed fines are not paid immediately.
The RMV has emphasized that it does not request payment for fines via text, and that all payments should be made in person or through the official RMV website. In a press release, registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie urged caution, stating, "Scam artists often create urgency to manipulate members of the public into paying fees which are fraudulent and we urge everyone to be vigilant when they receive a communication stating they owe money." She also encouraged sharing this information to help protect others, especially those more vulnerable to scams.
In addition to text scams, residents should be cautious of emails claiming to be from MassDOT or the RMV, as these are often phishing attempts containing links to fraudulent sites. People are advised not to respond or provide personal information through such emails. Other scams include fake websites claiming to offer official RMV services; all RMV transactions should be conducted only through the official RMV website.
The RMV points out common signs of fraudulent websites, including using terms like “DMV” or “Department of Motor Vehicles” instead of “RMV,” and charging fees for services that are usually free, such as checking license or registration status, updating an address, or accessing official forms, as reported by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To inform the public, the RMV posts scam alerts on its social media, including Twitter at @MassRMV, and includes warnings about third-party websites in the RMV Driver’s Manual available on Mass.gov.
For those encountering or suspecting fraudulent RMV-related online activities, reports should be directed to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office or the Federal Trade Commission. Queries regarding scam identification and prevention can be addressed to the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by calling their hotline.
