Nevada DMV issues urgent warning about ‘final notice’ text scams
Fraudulent messages claim unpaid tickets, threaten license suspension
Nevada residents are being targeted by sophisticated text message scams falsely claiming to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles, with the latest wave threatening “enforcement penalties” beginning July 18 for supposedly unpaid traffic tickets.
The Nevada DMV issued an urgent alert Thursday warning drivers to ignore and immediately delete these fraudulent messages, which have prompted hundreds of concerned calls from residents across the state. The scam texts typically arrive from international phone numbers and claim recipients have outstanding traffic violations that must be paid immediately.
Red flags to identify the scam
The fraudulent messages share several common characteristics that should alert recipients:
- Claims of unpaid traffic tickets with urgent deadlines
- Threats of vehicle registration suspension and driving privilege revocation
- References to non-existent “Nevada Administrative Code 15C-16.003”
- Mentions of toll booth fees (Nevada has no toll roads)
- Links to fake payment websites designed to steal personal information
- International phone numbers, often starting with country codes like +63 (Philippines)
One version circulating this week states: “Final Notice: You have an unpaid traffic ticket. Enforcement penalties begin on July 18.” The message then threatens consequences including damage to credit scores and addition to a DMV violation database.
DMV clarifies legitimate communication methods
Nevada DMV officials emphasize they will never send unsolicited text messages about penalties or violations. All legitimate DMV communications regarding such matters occur exclusively through:
- U.S. mail delivered to your registered address
- Email to addresses you’ve provided during DMV transactions
- Never through text messages or phone calls
Additionally, the DMV does not issue traffic citations or collect fines. Citations in Nevada are written by law enforcement officers and handled through municipal courts, not the DMV.
Multiple variations targeting Nevada drivers
This marks the latest in a series of evolving scams targeting Nevada motorists. Previous versions have included:
- Toll road scams: Messages claiming unpaid toll fees, despite Nevada having no toll roads
- Email variants: Fake emails purporting to be from Nevada Highway Patrol about outstanding tickets
- Regional targeting: Both Northern and Southern Nevada residents have reported receiving these messages
Nevada State Police and the Nevada Highway Patrol have joined the DMV in warning residents, stating they will never call, text, or email requesting payment or personal information.
What to do if you receive a scam text
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from the DMV:
- Do NOT click any links – These often lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information or install malware
- Do NOT provide any personal information – Including driver’s license numbers, Social Security numbers, or payment details
- Do NOT reply to the message – This confirms your number is active
- Delete the message immediately
- Report as spam/junk if your phone allows
- Verify any concerns directly – Contact DMV through official channels at dmv.nv.gov or call official DMV offices
Widespread problem across multiple states
Nevada is not alone in facing this scam. Similar fraudulent messages have been reported in at least 19 states, including Colorado, California, Michigan, Florida, and New York. The widespread nature suggests organized criminal operations targeting drivers nationwide.
The Federal Trade Commission encourages anyone who receives these fraudulent messages to report them to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at reportfraud.ftc.gov, including the phone number that sent the message and any linked websites.
As scammers continue to evolve their tactics, Nevada DMV officials urge residents to share this warning with family and friends, particularly those who may be less familiar with text-based scams. Remember: when in doubt, contact the DMV directly through official channels rather than responding to any unsolicited messages.
Image Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/nevada-dmv-warns-final-notice-004256911.html
Category: State News
Subcategory: Scams & Fraud
Date: 07/17/2025
