ALEA warns of phishing scam involving fake ‘Alabama DMV’

ALEA is warning of a nationwide phishing scam involving the Alabama DMV./Courtesy: ALEA

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is warning citizens about a nationwide phishing scam that has recently targeted Alabamians.

ALEA says the text messages falsely claim to be from the Alabama Department of Vehicles and demands payment for non-existent traffic tickets.

The text goes on to say they will suspend your driving privileges for 30 days and suspend your vehicle registration unless the recipients click on the link or provide personal information.

State officials say there is no such department as the Alabama Department of Vehicles.

In Alabama, driver licensing services are administered by ALEA’s Driver License Division, and vehicle registration is handled by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR). Additionally, license plates issuance is handled through local county probate offices.

ALEA and its Driver License Division do not send unsolicited text messages threatening prosecution and requesting personal information or payment. Any such message should be considered suspicious and deleted immediately.

“Scammers are trying to create a false sense of urgency by threatening you and your driving privileges,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “We urge all Alabamians to be cautious and
remember that our Agency will never contact you this way.”

ALEA says if you get one of these messages, do not click on links in suspicious text messages, do not provide personal information and to report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the IC3 at www.ic3.gov.