Ohio Bureau of Motor Vohicles (BMV) has issued the inhabitants of warning about extensive fraudulent text sending of messages falsely, which claims to come from BMV. The phishing campaign is designed to cause Ohioans to provide personal or financial information by threatening the immediate suspension of the license regarding false transport tickets.
What fraud looks like
Ohioans announced that they would receive alarming text messages that claim to come from “Ohio Department of Vehicles (BMV)”. The report falsely warns the recipient that they have unpaid traffic tickets and require immediate payment to avoid suspension of driving licenses and other fines. The fraudulent report refers to the invented legal law-“Ohio State State Administrative Code 15C-16.003” -a includes a suspect reference of payments reminiscent of the official government web address.
The fraudsters also threaten other consequences such as suspension of registration, prosecution and negative credit impact. The message urges the victims to act quickly, with moving the deadlines that move forward daily – the classic red flag while attempting phishing.
BMV: “We never require payment by text”
“If you receive this text, do not fall on this fraud,” said OHIO BMV registrar Charlie Norman. “Don’t click any links and delete text. Ohio BMV will never send you a text requiring payment or requires your personal information.”
Similar frauds across the country
Fraud is not limited to Ohio. The inhabitants in other states reported the same reports with the change only of the name of the state, suggesting a nationwide phishing operation. Fraud texts often come from foreign or spoofered numbers, falsely set out on local agencies and use the threatening legal jargon to pressure on the recipient to click on links.
What to do when you receive a scam
Authorities call on Ohioans K:
Delete the message immediately
Don’t click any links or answer the message
Report fraud Federal Commission to Reportfraud.ftc.gov
If personal or financial information have been shared, contact local law enforcement authorities
BMV and Ohio Turnpike remind residents to always verify suspicious news and rely on the official governmental communication channels for payment complaints.
(Tagstotranslate) Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) (T) SCAM for Text Message (T) Ohio Department of Vehicles BMV (T) Starding Scam (T) PHAMING (T) Phishing Scam (T)
