Consumer Warning: Fraudulent Phishing Scams Continue to Target Wisconsin DMV Customers
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning consumers of another wave of fraud attempts where scammers pretend to be from WisDOT. Some scams duplicate the look of official WisDOT content.
The latest phishing scam, often from out of state or out of country phone numbers, warns of a “Driver’s License Suspension Pending” or vague “violation details” with a demand for urgent action and payment or “continue for details” button with link that could take you to unofficial websites. The scammers’ goal is to get individuals to click on fraudulent links or reveal personal information.
These are not from WisDOT or DMV.
Wisconsin DMV continues to take active steps to thwart these efforts with website alerts and outreach through social media and traditional media. But scammers are getting adept at mimicking our webpages so all customers should stay alert.
Wisconsin DMV urges consumers to be on the lookout and follow these tips:
- Be suspicious of demands for immediate action, personal information or money.
- Do not share personal information with unsolicited emails or messages.
- If you have not signed up to receive email or text messages from DMV and receive an unsolicited text message or email from an unknown number or person, do not respond, engage with the caller or click on links.
- Sign up for account activity alerts and renewal reminders by subscribing to Wisconsin DMV’s eNotify. Like most bank accounts, you will receive confirmation of transactions on your account which alerts you of any fraudulent activities. Sign up for eNotify here: wisconsindmv.gov/enotify https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/renew-licens/enotify-default.aspx
If you are the victim of a scam, you may:
- Consider filing a police report with the local law enforcement agency where you reside.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) www.ic3.gov
- Speak to AARP’s Fraud Watch Helpline and find Fraud Victim Support Groups (all ages accepted)
- Request a free credit report and research identity theft prevention: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
WisDOT is committed to protecting consumers and they can always initiate their own DMV services online at wisconsindmv.gov.
Scam image. Photo courtesy of WisDOT.
Scam image. Photo courtesy of WisDOT.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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