News Summary

Authorities in Massachusetts are warning residents about a new text message scam that falsely claims individuals have unpaid traffic tickets and tolls. These messages appear to originate from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and threaten driving privilege suspension if fees aren’t paid immediately. Law enforcement confirms these texts are fraudulent and advises residents to report them to local police. Officials remind the public to never provide personal information via text and to verify communications through official channels.

Dartmouth, Massachusetts – Police are warning residents about a new text message scam claiming individuals have unpaid traffic tickets and tolls. This fraudulent activity is specifically targeting residents in Massachusetts, with messages appearing to originate from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

The scam text messages inform recipients that they must pay a fee immediately or risk having their driving privileges suspended for a period of 30 days. Despite the alarming language used to create a sense of urgency, law enforcement officials have confirmed that these texts are not legitimate and are part of an ongoing scam.

Authorities strongly advise anyone receiving such messages not to click on any links provided and to report the incidents to their local police. The official communications related to the RMV can only be accessed through the verified website: mass.gov/rmv.

These scam messages may incorporate false regulations that imply enforcement actions for supposed unpaid fees. This type of fraudulent scheme is known as “smishing”, a blend of SMS (text messaging) and phishing strategies designed to extract personal and financial information from victims. Scammers often employ tactics that instill a sense of urgency, making individuals susceptible to manipulation.

This alarming trend follows a pattern that has seen similar scams emerge in the past, including those requesting payments for overdue E-ZPass tolls. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has reiterated their policy that they will never contact individuals through text for payment or billing information. Instead, residents should always verify any suspicious messaging by reaching out to the toll agency directly using official contact details.

In an effort to combat this ongoing scam, police departments, including Dartmouth Police, have issued warnings, particularly noting that one of their officers fell victim to receiving one of the scam messages. The law enforcement community encourages all residents to be vigilant and cautious about unsolicited text messages purportedly from government agencies.

Individuals who believe they may have responded to or interacted with these scams should take immediate measures to secure their personal information. Suggestions include contacting their bank or credit card company to monitor for any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions. Taking these precautions can help mitigate potential financial losses resulting from these scams.

Authorities have noticed a resurgence of these scams since their initial occurrence back in June 2024, particularly coinciding with the holiday season when communities typically experience increased activity. The rapid spread of these types of scams underscores the importance of public education regarding how to recognize and respond to suspicious messages.

If residents suspect that they have become victims of such scams, it is recommended they file complaints with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ICC) to help raise awareness and address the issue at a broader level.

In summary, the Massachusetts police are urging residents to remain alert for any communications that seem suspicious—especially those that threaten or demand immediate financial payments. Proper caution and diligence can help prevent falling victim to these deceptive scams.