Scammers Target Ohioans Using BMV Hook

OHIO — Multiple Ohioans recently received text message prompts asking them to update their "Ohio BMV profiles." The agency warns that it's part of an elaborate con to steal personal information.

There are no Ohio BMV profiles, yet the message tells recipients they need to complete their Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles profile because their "information is incomplete." Updating the profile is "required," the message says, and a link to a website follows.

Anyone who clicks the link is sent to a spoofed BMV website — meaning it's designed to mimic the actual BMV website — and is then asked to upload documents containing their personal information. Scammers then have direct access to that information.

To avoid getting scammed, delete any texts you receive from the Ohio BMV asking about your "profile." If you do click a link, always check the website address and make sure it ends in ".gov" and not ".com" or another address.

Anyone with questions about this particular scam can contact the Ohio BMV at 844-644-6268 or by visiting the agency's actual website.