DMV warns New Yorkers of new phishing scam

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – We have a warning about a phishing scam from NYS DMV.

The scam involves a text message, falsely claiming that New York State is offering $1,500 rebates to offset high fuel prices.

If you click the link, it brings you to a website designed to look like the official DMV site. However, the DMV says the scammers are trying to steal your personal information, which can be used to commit identity theft.

“We want New Yorkers to be aware that these scams are out there, and we urge them to be vigilant if they receive any text message or email that seems suspicious,” said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. “DMV will not send you text messages asking for your personal information. If you aren’t sure if you received a phishing scam, you may contact us at dmv.sm.phishingattacks@dmv.ny.gov.”

The DMV will never ask for personal information in a text message.

To help protect against phishing or smishing (SMS phishing) scams, the NYS Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) recommends the following precautions:

Be cautious about all communications you receive, including those that purport to be from "trusted entities." Be careful when clicking any links contained within those messages. If in doubt, do not click.

Do not send your personal information via email. Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through email.

Keep an eye out for telltale signs: poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, or the URL does not match that of the legitimate site.
Be wary of how much information you post online. The less information you post, the less data you make available to a cyber criminal for use in developing a potential attack or scam.

DMV provides information on phishing scams on our website here. Examples of the text messages can be found here.

For additional information on phishing scams, as well as steps to mitigate a phishing attempt, visit the NYS Office of Information Technology Services Phishing Awareness resources page here.

For more information about the DMV, click here.