Stay informed about recent scams and report suspicious activity immediately.
Four signs it's a scam
Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity asking for donations. They may use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID. So the name and number you see might not be real.
They might say you’re in trouble with the government. Or you owe money. Or someone in your family had an emergency. Or that there’s a virus on your computer. Some scammers say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information. Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but have to give bank information or pay a fee to get it.
Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story. They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you. They might say your computer is about to be corrupted.
They often insist that you pay by sending money through a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them money.
Driver License Scams: Scammers trying to steal your identity or make you pay for DMV services
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is committed to protecting public safety and educational integrity. We recently closed the Academy School of Driving (ASD) in Colorado Springs following a significant fraud investigation.
If you are a student or a member of the public, please use this information to protect yourself and ensure you enroll with a legitimate, high-integrity driving school.
How to Spot a "Guaranteed Pass" Scam
Beware of any driving school or individual offering a "guaranteed pass". Legitimate driving schools cannot guarantee a passing score, as testing must adhere to strict state standards to ensure road safety.
Protect Yourself: How to Avoid Driving School Scams and Fraud
- Illegal Fees: Never pay a driving school for guaranteed test results. Charging fees for a guaranteed passing score is illegal and a sign of fraud.
- Manipulated or Shortened Tests: Be wary if you observe or are told that a drive test is being shortened. State law requires drive tests to meet a minimum duration (e.g., 15 minutes). Fraudulent testers may complete the test in two to four minutes and enter false data into the state's system. If this happens, report it immediately.
- Third-Party "Coordinators": Do not use or pay outside "coordinators" to schedule appointments or help you with test answers. During a test, only the applicant is allowed to answer questions. Allowing someone else to answer for you to ensure a passing score is a form of cheating and fraud.
- Appointment Fraud: Do not pay anyone to secure an appointment with the DMV. Charging a fee to simply get an appointment is illegal and considered fraud. DMV appointments are free.
Resources:
- Download and print our "Guaranteed Pass" scam alert flyer: English/Spanish
- Find authorized driving schools here: DMV Driver Education School Locations
- Report suspicious or confirmed fraudulent activity here: Request Investigation
- Consumer Complaints: Stop Fraud Colorado
Don’t buy fake IDs, drivers licenses, or immigration papers. Using fake papers is a serious crime.
Remember: Your immigration status does not stop you from getting a Colorado ID, a driver’s license, or registering your car. You can use your CO license, ID, or official immigration papers to get your car titled and registered legally.
If you use fake papers, you won’t be able to sell the car, trade it in, or get money from insurance if you have an accident. The Colorado DMV has streamlined processes to ensure that obtaining legitimate identification and vehicle titles is accessible to everyone. Residents are urged to avoid the risks. To learn more, visit the official DMV Driver Services webpage.
The best way to get DMV help is to start at our official website. Most DMV tasks can be done right from home, so you can skip the trip to the office!
Remember: Many services, like booking an appointment, are 100% free. You should never pay anyone to “save a spot” or book an appointment for you.
You can also take your driver’s permit test online for a small fee at our official Driver Education site. Don’t pay anyone for study guides—the DMV provides those for free! And remember, you must take the test yourself. Paying someone else to take it for you is a crime and could lead to serious trouble. Protect yourself; do it yourself.
Download the scam alert flyer: English/Spanish
Fraudulent DMV text/email messages: Scammers sending texts claiming you have unpaid tickets or face license suspension
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is alerting Coloradans to a new wave of fraudulent messages. Scammers are now directly impersonating the DMV, falsely claiming recipients have unpaid tickets and threatening severe consequences such as prosecution, suspension of vehicle registration, and revocation of driving privileges. These claims are entirely false and designed to intimidate individuals into immediate compliance.
These deceptive text messages and emails are crafted to appear as official communications from the Colorado DMV. Their primary goal is to frighten recipients into clicking malicious links and divulging personal or financial information under the guise of settling non-existent violations.
While the exact wording can vary, these fraudulent messages typically:
- State they are from the "Colorado DMV" or a similar official-sounding entity.
- Allege outstanding unpaid tickets or violations.
- Threaten imminent legal action, such as prosecution.
- Warn of pending suspension of vehicle registration and/or driving privileges.
- Contain a link to a fake website to "resolve" the issue or make a payment.
It is critical for all Coloradans to understand: These messages are NOT from the Colorado DMV. The DMV does not initiate contact via unsolicited text messages and emails to demand payment for tickets or to threaten prosecution or suspension of privileges in this manner.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the DMV:
- Do NOT click on any links. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
- Do NOT share any personal or financial information. This includes your driver's license number, Social Security number, credit card details, or banking information.
- Do NOT reply to the message.
If you are concerned about the status of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or any potential tickets, contact the Colorado DMV directly through its official website at dmv.colorado.gov or by phone at (303) 205-5600. Do not use any contact information provided in the suspicious text.
If you have not engaged in any activity that would result in a ticket or penalty, it is almost certainly a scam.
You can report scams and suspicious communications to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
If you think you've fallen for a scam text:
- Immediately change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
- Contact your bank or financial institution to report the incident and take any necessary steps to protect your accounts, such as freezing them or monitoring for suspicious activity.
- Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze. To start layering protection, you might want to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file with all three of the primary credit bureaus. This makes it harder for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name.
- Stay Vigilant. Fraud, especially identity theft, might not be immediately apparent. It is vital to keep your finger on your financial pulse in the coming weeks and months. You can report confirmed cases of identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
The Colorado DMV urges all residents to be extremely cautious and to share this warning with friends and family. Vigilance is key to protecting your personal information from these evolving scams.
Scam text example
Download our scam alert flyer: English/Spanish
What to do if you've been scammed
- Step 1: Do not click links or reply to the sender.
- Step 2: Change compromised passwords immediately.
- Step 3: Contact your bank to freeze accounts or monitor activity.
- Step 4: Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus.
- Step 5: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
DMV Website Scams: Protect yourself from fake DMV websites
Watch out for fake DMV websites! When you search online, be careful of “sponsored” ads. Some websites look official but actually have a small note at the bottom saying they are not part of the government.
To keep your money and your info safe, always go straight to dmv.colorado.gov or use our official myDMV portal. Once you create an account, you can do almost everything—like renewing your license or registering your car—right from home. You never need to use another website or come into the office!
Fake DMV website fraud alert - Video
Download the scam alert flyer: English/Spanish
Vehicle scams/fraud: Protect yourself from buying a stolen or unsafe used vehicle
Navigating the DMV can feel overwhelming, but you can do it yourself! Follow these steps for the best way to keep your money safe and make sure your car is legally yours.
- Protect Your Car. Do not use “helpers.”
It might be tempting to pay someone to help you with paperwork, but be careful. *The risk: if you let a stranger or a “helper” put their name on your car title, they legally own your car. They could even take your car from you.
- Reminder: Never pay someone else to go to the DMV for you. Protect yourself; do it yourself.
- Why it matters: If the wrong name is on your title, you might not be able to sell your car, get insurance, or get it back if it is stolen.
2. Get your documents ready
To register your car, you need the following four things:
- Your ID: A Colorado or out-of-state license, a Passport, or official immigration papers.
- Insurance: Proof that your car has Colorado auto insurance.
- Proof You Own the Car: This is usually the car’s title, a Bill of Sale, or your current out-of-state registration
- Money for Fees: Prices change depending on where you live. You can check our Fees Page for an estimate.
3. Finish the Process
Once your documents are in order, your next steps depend on how you bought the car:
- Bought it from a person? Go to your local county DMV office.
- Bought it from a car dealer? Use the myDMV customer portal account online or go to a local DMV office
Keep your car safe! It might be tempting to buy cheap temporary plates online or from a stranger, but it is not worth the risk. Only get plates from an official car dealer or the county DMV. To learn more about Colorado’s official license plates, click here.
Download and print our scam alert flyer: English/Spanish
Don’t waste your money on fake emissions tests. Buying a fake “passing” paper is a serious crime that can potentially result in large fines, jail time, or loss of your driver's license.
You have two legal ways to test your car’s emissions: Air Care Colorado stations or RapidScreen roadside testing. Find a location near you at aircarecolorado.com.
Even if you buy a fake test, the DMV will find out and stop your registration. This means you won’t be able to get your plates or legally drive your car.
A fake certificate is never worth the risk. To learn more about emissions tests, click here.