Connecticut DMV Scam Alert: Increase in Fraudulent Text Messages

Recently, attorneys at Willinger, Willinger & Bucci, PLLC have seen an uptick in inquiries from concerned clients who have received a text message to their cellular phone, purporting to be an “Urgent Compliance Notice” from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.

These notices state that an unresolved fine must be processed in order to avoid consequences including an “official notation” on your driving record, invalidation of your vehicle registration, a mandatory license suspension, penalty fees and adverse credit impacts. A payment link is provided, with a very short timeframe for compliance provided.

These messages are a scam. They should be ignored and deleted and clicking on the payment link avoided. Key clues in identifying these texts as fraudulent are that:

• The messages originate from a foreign telephone number. In the screenshot example “+ 63” is the international country code for the Philippines.
• The messages cite to a Connecticut law – “code 16C-16.003” – which does not exist. Connecticut motor vehicle and traffic statutes are generally found in Title 14 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
• The Connecticut DMV does not communicate unsolicited through text. While the DMV does communicate electronically with the public through email and text, individuals must proactively opt in to receiving these communications. There are also a myriad of online services through the official state DMV portal on the Department of Motor Vehicles website. However the DMV will never communicate electronically regarding motor vehicle related violations.

Generally speaking, any unsolicited message that seeks payment of an unfamiliar debt or payment obligation within a very short period of time should be viewed with skepticism, as high-pressure communications seeking rapid response are common hallmarks of a scam.

The takeaways:

• View unsolicited payment requests with skepticism.
• Consider where the communication originated from.
• Do not click on suspicious payment links.