RMV Scam: Arlington Police Warn Against Falling For Text Message

ARLINGTON, MA — The police department is warning the community after receiving multiple reports from residents about fraudulent text messages in which the perpetrator is pretending to be from a state government organization.

The texts claim to be from the “Massachusetts State Department of Vehicles,” which does not exist. The police are asserting that the texts are a scam. The closest entity that the scammers are impersonating is the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which does not send the type of message that people have been receiving.

“Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on July 24... our records show you still have an outstanding traffic ticket... if you do not complete payment by July 23, 2025... your registration and license will be suspended, you may be prosecuted, and your credit score will be affected,” the text message reads.

According to police, the text includes a link that should not be clicked on. The department is advising residents to delete the message immediately and report it online to the Federal Trade Commission.