Oregon DMV warns of phishing scam

Oregon residents have reported telephone calls from someone claiming to be collecting DMV fees owed and insisting upon immediate payment, officials said Friday.

These types of calls mirror the scams of recent years in which victims are told they owe money – vehicle registration fees, back taxes, fines or other government fees – and must make payment immediately.

The scammers may ask for payment by wire transfer or prepaid debit/credit. Or they may ask for personally identifiable information, such as Social Security number, bank account number, debit/credit card number or other information that could be used to steal money, commit fraud or perpetrate identity theft. Some callers threaten arrest, lawsuits and/or criminal prosecution.

The callers sometimes leave voice messages demanding an immediate call back. In addition to telephone calls and robo-call machines, these scammers often use email, social media and texting.

Scammers have found ways to fool caller ID and appear to be calling from a real DMV phone number, so customers who try to call back reach the real DMV call centers. This is part of the scammers’ attempt to make the call seem legitimate.

When you do business with Oregon DMV, remember that:

* DMV never calls customers to request unpaid vehicle or driver-related fees. DMV sends correspondence by mail.
* DMV is not able to accept payments by phone, wire transfer or prepaid card. DMV asks for payment by check mailed to Oregon DMV or by our online Vehicle Registration Renewal at OregonDMV.com.
* DMV never calls and asks for debit/credit or other account numbers or Social Security Number by phone.
* DMV never threatens arrest or lawsuits for allegedly unpaid DMV fees.
* DMV does not collect state or federal income taxes. There is no connection between income taxes and vehicle registration fees.

Consumers themselves are the best protection from falling for these scams, which are becoming more sophisticated and authentic in appearance. Scammers constantly change tactics. The Oregon Department of Justice has more to protect yourself here: http://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer/pages/index.aspx

Any time you need to visit an Oregon DMV office in person, DMV suggests that you first visit OregonDMV.com to find office hours and locations, and to make sure you have everything you need before your visit. You can also see current wait times for most offices.

You may be able to do your DMV business from home at OregonDMV.com. You can renew your vehicle registration, file a change of address or file notice of the sale of your vehicle online without getting in line at an office.