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FLORIDA - A fresh wave of text message scams targeting Florida motorists is surging, with drivers warned of alleged unpaid tolls or traffic tickets that threaten license suspension if payment is not made instantly.
Law enforcement and consumer protection officials across Florida have reported a resurgence in these phishing texts, which impersonate state DMVs or toll agencies.
The warnings allege the recipient owes fines, claims the driver’s license is at risk, and pushes users to click a link to pay.
These messages are part of a dramatic spike in “DMV text” scams that have proliferated nationwide this June.
The FBI has reported a significant increase in these attacks, with text campaigns now more refined and convincing than in the past.
Supervisory Special Agents have warned that clicking the link may install malware or be used to steal personal and financial information.
Local agencies in Miami-Dade and Lee County have echoed similar concerns, reminding residents that no legitimate government office will ever request payment through unsolicited text messages.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost nearly half a billion dollars to these types of scams last year.
Experts say scammers often use fear and urgency, threats of suspended licenses, legal action, or financial penalties, to get victims to act quickly without verifying the source.
Motorists are strongly advised to delete any such messages immediately and avoid clicking any links.
If someone has already interacted with the scam, they should notify their bank and report the incident to both the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and their wireless carrier.