New York State DMV warns of text message phishing scam

SCAM ALERT: If you received a suspicious text message this morning claiming to be from the DMV and asking you to update your contact information, it did NOT come from us. Please delete it and do not provide any personal information.

— NYS DMV (@nysdmv) February 20, 2021

The NYS DMV says that this was not sent out by them and to delete the message immediately. 

Here are some tips from the NYS DMV on how you can protect yourself from future phishing scams:

• Do not respond to unsolicited text messages or emails, click on links, download files or open attachments from an unverified source.
• Do not give personal information over the phone or through text or email and do enter personal information in a pop-up screen.
• Be cautious with all communications you receive, even those that appear to be from a trusted source. Phishers may use real company logos to make their communications seem legitimate.
• Look for common signs of phishing like poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, the URL does match that of the legitimate website.
• Install, update and use anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer or devices, as well as phishing filters on your email and web browser to help reduce the number of phishing attempts.
• Review financial account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges and check your credit reports regularly.
• Contact organizations or institutions in response to unsolicited text messages or e-mails using their name.
• Change your passwords, check your computer or devices for viruses, and notify credit reporting agencies, your bank and other companies that you have accounts with, if you provided personal information to unknown or unverified sources.