New scam targets drivers to pay fines

Did you recently get a phone text that read like this?

Mississippi Department of Vehicles(DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 9.
Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with Mississippi Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you do not complete payment by June 8, 2025, we will take the following actions:

1. Report to the DMV violation database
2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting June 9
3. Suspend driving privileges for 30 days
4. Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee
5. You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected
   Pay Now:

Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.
(Reply Y and re-open this message to click the link, or copy it to your browser.)

Law enforcement officials tell you that this text message is part of a new scam many people are currently getting on their phone. Beyond the method of payment the scam requires, they note that Mississippi does not have a Department of Vehicles, or DMV. The state operates with the Department of Public Safety, instead.
If you’ve received this message via text, email, or phone call, ignore it and delete it. Do NOT click on the link or respond to the message.

Preventing phone scams involves a mix of awareness, skepticism, and a few practical habits. Here are the best ways to protect yourself:

1. Never Share Personal Information
   Don’t share Social Security numbers, bank details, passwords, or security codes over the phone—unless you initiated the call and trust the recipient.
2. Hang Up on Suspicious Calls
   If a call feels pushy, threatening, or too good to be true, hang up immediately.
   Scammers often use scare tactics (e.g., “your account is locked” or “you owe the IRS”) or urgency (“act now!”).
3. Be Skeptical of Caller ID
   Caller ID can be spoofed to look like a government agency, local number, or even your bank.
   Don’t trust a number just because it looks familiar.
4. Use Call-Blocking Tools
   Use apps or phone settings to block scam and spam calls (e.g., Nomorobo, Truecaller, your carrier’s call filtering).
   Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer built-in scam-blocking features.
5. Don’t Click on Unknown Links
   If a phone call is followed by a text or email with a suspicious link, don’t click it. Go directly to the company’s website instead.
6. Verify Independently
   If someone says they’re from your bank, hang up and call the bank directly using a number from your statement or card.
   Never trust a call that asks you to move money or give access to your device.
7. Register with the Do Not Call List
   Sign up at donotcall.gov to reduce telemarketing calls. While scammers don’t follow this law, it reduces legitimate spam.
8. Talk with Family—Especially Seniors
   Scammers often target elderly relatives. Educate them on red flags and encourage them to call you if they’re unsure about a call.
9. Let Unknown Calls Go to Voicemail
   If it’s important, they’ll leave a message. You can always return the call after checking it out.
10. Report scam calls to:
    FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
    FCC: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov