SALEM – Did you get an urgent text message saying you owe money to the Oregon Department of Transportation or DMV? It’s not a harmless April Fools’ prank, it’s a scam.

Scammers across the country are sending fake texts about unpaid tolls, license suspensions and traffic violations. The messages include a link that takes you to a fake website designed to look real to steal your personal and financial information.

“ODOT and DMV will never ask you to pay through a text message, email, phone call or third-party website,” said Oregon DMV Public Information Officer Chris Crabb. “Scammers try to scare you into acting quickly. Do not reply, click links or share payment or personal information. Block the number and delete the text.”

Scam texts often use alarming words like “urgent notice,” “violation,” or “final enforcement.” They might warn that your license or registration will be suspended or fines will increase if you do not pay immediately. The links may take you to fake websites that try to get your credit card or personal information.

How to protect yourself

• Do not click links or reply to an unexpected text message claiming to be from ODOT or DMV.
• Be careful with any message that demands quick action or asks for payment or personal information. 
• Do not give your personal, financial or vehicle information through unknown websites.
• Report scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and file a report with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission​. You do not need to report it to ODOT or DMV.
• Block the number and delete the message.

If you clicked a link or gave out information

• Protect your accounts by changing passwords and watching for suspicious activity.
• Dispute any charges you don’t recognize.
• File a customer complaint with Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection. 

If you’re unsure whether a message is real, contact ODOT at 1‑888‑Ask‑ODOT or DMV at 503‑945‑5000. You can find more information about fraud prevention at oregondmv.com.

# # #