DMV Warns Of Major Phishing Scam Via Fraudulent Text Messages

NEW YORK—The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning New Yorkers against a phishing scam. Residents are receiving fraudulent text messages made to resemble official texts from the DMV. They are asking customers to click onto a fake website link and enter personal, sensitive information because of updated regulation, or REAL ID requirements.

"The messages ask the recipient to update their contact information in an attempt to gain access to sensitive personal data.If you receive such a text message, you should not provide any personal data and should delete the text right away," the department said in a mass email to DMV-registered accounts.

Phishing scams are responsible for a significant portion of data breaches, according to experts and some of the more sophisticated scams can trick even the savvy. According to the U.S. Anti-Phishing Working Group, phishing scammers capitalize on popular trends and concerns, and in this case are taking advantage of New York State's recent requirement for all licenses to become REAL ID-compliant.