DMV Warns Consumers of Fake Ticket Email Hoax Meant to Collect Personal InformationEmail falsely claims to be from New York State DMV: Do not click on links
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is cautioning consumers against an email “phishing” campaign that sends a notice to email users stating they must pay a ticket within 48 hours or their license will be revoked. While the notice is made to appear as if it comes from DMV, it is a hoax.
The fake emails pretend to be from DMV, and report that the State Police has advised DMV that the recipient has several outstanding traffic violations. It then provides two links to either plead guilty or to refute the tickets. The links direct unsuspecting users to a malicious download that may expose your computer to a virus. If you receive one of these emails, delete the email immediately. Do not click on any links in the email and do not forward the email.
“The Department of Motor Vehicles does not send emails urging motorists to pay traffic tickets within 48 hours or lose your license,” said Terri Egan, DMV Deputy Executive Commissioner. “It is unfortunate that people use our agency’s name to target innocent consumers. We urge New Yorkers to always remain cautious about opening email attachments or following links, even if they appear to come from legitimate agencies.”
If you do open such an attachment or click such a link, you should immediately update and run your antivirus software and take steps to be sure your computer system is secure. Do not forward the email to State Police or local law enforcement but do alert them.
This hoax email lists a reference number then reads in part:
“Dear Driver:
We are writing to inform you that the state police department has notified us that you have several outstanding traffic violations. If you do not make restitution for these infractions within 48 hours, we will be forced to revoke your driver’s license.
To make payment arrangements online, click here.To refute these tickets, click here.
Sincerely,
The NY DMV”
“At no time do we send the type of email described in this hoax,” Egan said. “While DMV does include links in many of the emails we send, the links always lead to a page on a state-affiliated website.”