AUGUSTA — Maine officials are warning of a widespread text scam being received by Mainers across the state. 

The text says, “Maine Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice” and threatens the recipient with several consequences, including vehicle registration suspension and possible prosecution. A link is provided in the text and leads to a fake website where the recipient is asked to click a link to pay money due or fines. Neither the text nor the website is associated with the Secretary of State’s Office or the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). 

“This message is a scam and an attempt to steal credit card numbers and personal information,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “Anyone who receives the text should immediately delete it and report it as junk. If you did click the link and entered a credit card number, contact your financial institution immediately. If you were scammed out of any money, contact your local law enforcement.” 

Scammers often send mass texts (“smishing”) or emails (“phishing”) to as many recipients as possible with the hope that some will be tricked into falling for the ruse. Scammers seek to obtain personal identifying information and/or financial information from their victims. If you are the victim of a scam, always notify you financial institutions right away. If you fall for a scam, be sure to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. You can also freeze you credit file to prevent scammers from using stolen personal information to open up fraudulent accounts in your name. 

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, always be suspicious of any unsolicited text, email, or call, no matter who they claim to be or what displays on your caller ID:

• Legitimate government agencies will RARELY contact you by text for sensitive matters. The BMV will send such correspondence by mail.
• If you're not sure if a message is true, ALWAYS verify its legitimacy by contacting the official source directly by looking up the number.
• NEVER click a link in an unsolicited text or email.
• NEVER provide identifying or financial information to an unsolicited caller.
• Urgency is ALWAYS a red flag – if they are telling you that you must act quickly or risk a consequence, it is likely a scam. 

Learn more about reporting fraud at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/.