Kris Strickler Director | Oregon Department Of Transportation
Kris Strickler Director | Oregon Department Of Transportation
Scammers are currently targeting Oregon residents by posing as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) in text messages regarding unpaid toll fees. These messages falsely claim that there is a past due toll balance that needs immediate payment to avoid DMV fines or license suspension. The aim is to obtain personal and financial information from recipients.
The ODOT has clarified that it does not operate a toll program, and while the DMV does send text messages for customer-initiated actions, these do not include links for verifying personal information. For instance, when setting up a DMV2U account, customers might receive a security code via text for verification purposes. Texts may also serve as reminders or notifications about appointments.
The DMV advises deleting any suspicious text messages immediately and blocking the sender's number. Clicking on such links could lead to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive data. "ODOT and DMV staff members are unable to provide technical assistance with a customer’s phone," stated the release.
To safeguard against these scams:
- Do not click on any links within unsolicited texts.
- Verify any claims directly with ODOT using their official contact methods.
- Report scams to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392 or file complaints online with agencies like the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and Federal Trade Commission.
- Remain vigilant against texts demanding immediate action or asking for sensitive information.
If you have already clicked on a link or provided your details, it's crucial to secure your accounts and dispute unfamiliar charges promptly. Verification can be done by contacting ODOT at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or the DMV at 1-855-540-6655. Further fraud prevention resources are available through the Oregon DMV website.
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