MEDIA ADVISORY
Cyber alert: Watch out for suspicious email and text messages
(AUSTIN, Texas – June 17, 2021) Some Texans have received emails and texts claiming to come from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). These messages are not from TxDMV. They are sent by cybercriminals attempting to gain access to your private information or to deliver harmful files to your computer. Do not click any links provided in a suspicious email or text message.
We cannot stress enough that TxDMV will never reach out directly via email or text requesting any personal information.
Examples of suspicious text messages:
"Hi it's Nick from The Motorvehicle Dept. We just Issued a ruling that qualifies you to collect a Refund_Payment: dy05x.com/O9IR1FctX6 Ave refund $1,000."
"DMV Notification: ,you have pending renewal fees. Please reach out to us tl10n.com/KmicfCBzo"
-OR via text message:
"Bob, you can claim $550 from DMV for a good record. Confirm details here bu21c.com/LDougM9PKf."
DMV Notification: "Bob, you have pending renewal fees. Please contact to us jo01d.com/R3Ms5PCasN"
Example of suspicious email:
If you receive a suspicious text message:
- Do not click on any links.
- Do not reply.
- Block the sender on your phone.
- Delete the text message.
- Report the text message to your cell carrier.
If you receive a suspicious email:
- Do not click on any links or open attachments.
- Hover over the link with your mouse to see if it points to a legitimate address.
- Do not reply.
If an email or text message appearing to come from TxDMV seems out of the ordinary or too good to be true, please use good judgment. Contact TxDMV directly if any message seems suspicious.
As always, be safe, be vigilant and exercise caution in your day-to-day communication needs via email or text.