Scam Alert: Fraudulent Texts Impersonate Toll Agencies and the DMV
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning residents about a recent scam involving fraudulent text messages that falsely claim recipients owe unpaid tolls and face DMV-related fines or penalties.
These scam texts often appear to come from official toll agencies and may reference the DMV to intimidate recipients into making immediate payments or providing personal information. The messages typically contain a link to a fake website that closely resembles an official toll payment site.
Scam text examples
These messages are not from the DMV or any legitimate Colorado toll agency. The DMV and Colorado toll agencies do not send unsolicited texts demanding payment or requesting personal information.
If you receive a message like this:
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not share personal or financial information.
- Visit the official toll agency website to verify any legitimate billing or notices.
If you don’t have a toll account or haven’t recently used a toll road, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Anyone who receives one of these fraudulent texts is encouraged to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Be sure to include the phone number or email that sent the message and the website linked in the text.
The DMV urges all Coloradans to stay vigilant and protect their personal information.
Identity Theft Fraud Alert
- Each year, millions of Americans fall victim to scams perpetrated from all over the globe. Although it is difficult to determine exact figures, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that, last year alone, more than $1.7 billion was lost due to fraudulent activity. While exact figures are not available, it is also estimated fraud losses total in the hundreds of millions of dollars in Colorado alone.
- Consumer education is the best weapon in the fight against fraud, therefore, being knowledgeable of the tactics used by scammers will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
- More fraud prevention information
Vehicle Title Fraud Alert
- NMVTIS was created to protect consumers from vehicle fraud and unsafe vehicles. AAMVA has developed a video to raise awareness of NMVTIS and its potential use by anyone considering buying a used vehicle. State agencies use NMVTIS information as part of their vehicle titling process, consumers would benefit from using the same system. Before purchasing a used vehicle please watch this video.
Four versions of the video are available:
- NMVTIS Vehicle History for Consumers‚ English
- NMVTIS Vehicle History for Consumers, English, Closed Captioned
- NMVTIS Vehicle History for Consumers, Spanish
- NMVTIS Vehicle History for Consumers, Spanish, Closed Captioned
Fake DMV Website, Fraud Alert - VIDEO
- Please be aware of fraudulent websites providing DMV services. They could be trying to steal your personal identifying information.
- Please be aware of websites that are not affiliated with the Colorado DMV but do provide service to consumers.
- Always use the direct website www.colorado.gov/dmv when conducting DMV business.
- Always look for a disclaimer at the top or bottom of the site that says they are not affiliated with any Government agency.
Helpful Link:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall Information