Maryland residents have recently reported receiving deceptive text messages claiming to originate from the “Maryland State Department of Motor Vehicles.” Authorities confirm that this entity does not exist. Maryland’s official agency is called the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and it does not send payment demands or other sensitive requests via text.
Details of the Scam
The fraudulent messages circulating among residents falsely inform recipients that immediate payment is required. The scammers attempt to instill a sense of urgency to trick individuals into providing personal and financial information or clicking on malicious links.
Officials have clarified that legitimate communications from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will never include:
- Requests for immediate payments via text.
- Demands to click on suspicious or unfamiliar links.
Official Statement from Takoma Park Police
The Takoma Park Police Department has issued an explicit warning about the ongoing scam, highlighting its dangers:
“We have received reports of text messages claiming to be from the Maryland State Department of Motor Vehicles demanding immediate payment. This is a scam.”
The department emphasized several key points to help residents remain safe:
- Authenticity: The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) does not request immediate payment or sensitive information via text message.
- Caution: Residents should avoid clicking any provided links in suspicious texts.
- Privacy: Never share personal or financial information with unverified sources.
Steps to Protect Yourself
Authorities advise the public to follow these protective measures if they receive a similar message:
- Do Not Click Links: Avoid clicking any links included in suspicious messages, as these could lead to harmful websites or install malware on your device.
- Delete Immediately: Remove the fraudulent message promptly to avoid accidental interactions.
- Report the Scam: Inform authorities about any scam attempts by contacting the Maryland Attorney General’s Office or reporting the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov.
Example of Fraudulent Text Message
For clarity, here is an example of the fraudulent text being sent to residents:
“Maryland State Department of Motor Vehicles: Immediate payment is required. Click the link to resolve your issue immediately.”
This type of message is a clear indication of fraudulent activity, designed to exploit unsuspecting victims.
Stay Vigilant
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance. Scammers frequently change tactics, so staying informed and skeptical about unsolicited communications is vital.
Always verify any questionable messages by contacting the official agency directly through their official website or customer service line.
By remaining alert and proactive, Maryland residents can protect their personal information and avoid becoming victims of these deceptive schemes.
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