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If you’ve received text or email messages claiming to be from Oregon DMV saying you owe money, you’re not alone. This nationwide scam, which began as a toll phishing scam, has been targeting drivers in several states for nearly two years.

Oregon DMV will never send you notices, warnings or payment requests by text or email. DMV transactions should only be completed online at DMV2U, in person at a DMV office, at a self-service Express Kiosk or by mail.

What to look for

These fake messages often:

Come from international phone numbers or non-government email addresses.
Cite fake administrative codes.
Threaten to suspend vehicle registration or driving privileges.
Demand payment by a certain date.
Link to URLs that may contain the agency name but with added letters or dashes.

Past scam messages often included obvious spelling and grammar mistakes. While those are still a red flag, many of today’s criminals are using artificial intelligence to generate realistic, professional-sounding messages.

How to stay safe

Do Not Click: Do not click on any links or scan any QR codes.
Do Not Reply: Do not respond to the text message.
Report: Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) and report it to the Federal Trade Commission. When reporting, include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
Delete: Delete the message.
Verify: You can contact ODOT directly at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or DMV directly at 503-945-5000.

If you do click on a suspicious link or provide sensitive information to an unknown source, secure your personal information and financial accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges. Oregonians can file a customer complaint with Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection.

Source: Oregon DMV