It seems internet scams never stop and the latest that people are talking about is a text scam where the texter claims to be from the Georgia State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The only problem is the number where the text originates is from the Philippines.
The text says it’s a “final notice” before “enforcement penalties” began. It states records show the person has an unpaid traffic text and action will be taken if the ticket isn’t paid by a certain date. The text used a May 28 date last week.
The text lists possible penalties that include vehicle registration suspension, driving privileges suspension, license suspension, prosecution, and a lower credit score. It ends with a website to pay. The website looks similar to the Department of Driver Safety because it starts with a dds address but it isn’t the state government website and those who look carefully will notice the second part of the domain is georgia-govlus.win rather than the traditional .gov domain name.
Those receiving the text state they aren’t falling for it.
“Scammers gonna scam,” one wrote.
“63+ over seas scammers are hard at work,” wrote another.
“Oh, no! Not my credit report,” another said.
Some of those receiving the message were from other states like California and Ohio. The scam has those states DMVs listed as the authority in those texts.
No Georgia agency will text you about any matter like an unpaid traffic ticket, toll charge, court date, or fees. They don’t call either. Typically, you will get a regular mail or certified letter.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Germany. She is a former news director of Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF Radio.