Illinois Residents Warned About DMV Scam Text Messages

CHICAGO, Illinois — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued a warning earlier this week about scam text messages targeting residents. The fake texts claim to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” and threaten to suspend vehicle registrations and driving privileges unless a payment is made.

Giannoulias’ office stated that these phishing attempts aim to steal personal or financial information. The Secretary advised residents to be cautious with unsolicited messages and report any suspected scams.

“If you receive one of these fake, unsolicited text messages, do not respond or click on any links,” Giannoulias said. “These phony texts are designed to trick you into giving up personal or financial information, which can lead to identity theft and fraud.”

The messages falsely claim that recipients have outstanding traffic tickets and threaten severe consequences, including suspension of vehicle registration within days. They also typically include a link for immediate payment, which officials warn against clicking.

Giannoulias affirmed that the Secretary of State’s Office does not send messages regarding vehicle registration or driver’s license statuses. The only text messages sent are reminders for scheduled DMV appointments.

Residents are encouraged to block the number from which they received the scam text and report it to the Federal Trade Commission as a precaution. Other states, including New York and California, have reported similar scams using the same threatening language.

Giannoulias emphasized the importance of vigilance against such fraud attempts, reminding residents that government agencies communicate through official channels and do not pressure them into immediate payments.