DMV Warning: Text Scam
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The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles warns residents that text messages circulating in the state are a scam, fraudulently claiming that unpaid traffic citations must be paid immediately to avoid penalties.
The department says these messages are not sent by the DMV, are not legitimate, and that the department does not send payment demands via text messages.
Residents are warned not to click links in such a message, not to reply, but to delete the message and report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Versions of these scam messages threaten various penalties for nonpayment of unspecified violations, including registration and license suspensions, additional fees, and possible court action.
A text message received by a Weston Today staffer appears below. It cites enforcement of Connecticut Administrative Code 16C-16.003, which does not exist.
The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has officially notified you that enforcement of fines will begin on March 7th.
Our records show you have an unpaid traffic fine. According to Connecticut Administrative Code 16C-16.003, if you do not pay the fine by March 6th, 2026, we will take the following actions:
1. Report this violation to the state DMV’s official records.
2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting March 7th.
3. Suspend your driver’s license for 30 days.
4. Charge a 35% payment processing fee.
5. We may take legal action, and your credit score will be affected.
Please pay immediately: [LINK REDACTED]
Please pay as soon as possible to avoid your driver’s license being suspended and legal trouble ensuing.
(Reply Y to reopen this message. Click the link or copy it to your browser.)