It involves text messages sent from a state agency which does not exist.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick Police Department says it’s received reports about text messages sent to consumers by the Maryland State Department of Vehicles. These messages threaten citizens with license suspension and other legal actions unless it receives payment; and that payment must be made immediately through a suspicious link.
Authorities say this is a phishing (fishing) attempt by scammers to try and get personal information from you. They say the Maryland State Department of Vehicles does not exist, and scammers send these send messages designed to scare you into acting before you think.
Police also say legitimate government agencies, like the Motor Vehicle Administration, will never ask for payment by text, and will not threaten you with arrest or license suspension.
Some red flags to look out are fake agency names; urgent threats of license suspension or prosecution; requests to pay now through an unfamiliar portal; and a message asking you to reply “Y” (yes) to open links through Safari
If you receive such a message and are not sure, contact the official government agency through its website or by its official telephone number; and do not click on any suspicious links or share any personal financial information.
Police say report these scam messages to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraudftc.gov.
By Kevin McManus