Floridians have recently been targeted by a wave of fraudulent text messages impersonating the Florida State Department of Motor Vehicles, known as the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). These deceptive messages claim to deliver a final notice regarding enforcement penalties related to unpaid traffic citations, specifying urgent actions that need to be taken by a certain deadline.
The text messages invoke Florida State Administrative Code 15C-16.003, manipulating recipients by threatening severe consequences if payments are not made immediately. Despite the reference to real legislation, the context presented in the messages is false and designed solely to induce panic and a quick response from recipients.
Officials estimate that similar scams have affected residents in other states, including New York and California, employing similar high-pressure tactics and scaremongering language to elicit responses. Common characteristics of these scams include unsolicited communications, threats of loss, requests for immediate payments, and other signs of manipulation.
To combat such schemes, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant. If a communication raises any suspicions, it is advisable to avoid responding directly and instead contact the agency through known official channels to verify the authenticity of the message. The FLHSMV will never solicit payment via text message.
If you believe you have received such a phishing text, the best course of action is to report it to the Federal Trade Commission. Should you have mistakenly paid a scammer, a detailed guide on reclaiming your funds depending on the payment method is provided by the FTC.
As scams become increasingly sophisticated, education on how to identify and address them is key. By spreading awareness and staying informed, individuals can better safeguard themselves against becoming victims of fraudulent schemes.