‘Don’t take the bait!’: Latest text message scams target ODOT, DMV; here’s what to watch out for

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A new year brings another set of phishing text messages making the rounds from scammers falsely claiming to be from ODOT and DMV.

"Don’t take the bait!" the agency warning in a news release warning sent out on Friday.

“If you receive an unsolicited text message claiming to be from ODOT or DMV saying you owe money for an unpaid traffic fine or toll balance, it’s a scam. Do not click any links or provide payment or personal identifying information,” said Oregon DMV Public Information Officer Chris Crabb.

“These are fake messages designed to steal your personal and financial information. We recommend you delete the message and block the sender.”

The latest scam messages are sent from an unknown phone number and typically begin with urgent language such as, “Evasion Notice for Oregon Traffic Court” or “Final Notice – Toll Violation (Oregon).

The messages claim you have an unpaid traffic fine or toll balance and demand payment by a certain date to avoid enforcement actions and penalties. The texts may cite a phony Oregon State Administrative Code and urge you to click on a fraudulent URL that may seem valid because it includes ODOT, DMV or oregon.gov.

How to protect yourself

• Do not click on links or respond to unsolicited messages claiming to be from ODOT or DMV.
• Be cautious of any text message that demands immediate action or asks for personal information or payment. 
• Do not provide personal, financial or vehicle information through unknown websites.
• Ignore and delete the text message and block the number to prevent further potential harm.
• Report scams and suspicious communications to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission​. Include the sender’s phone number and any links included in the text.

What to do if you clicked on a link or provided personal information

• Secure your personal information and financial accounts. 
• Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
• File a customer complaint with Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection. 

ODOT and Oregon DMV will never request payment through an unsolicited text message, email, phone call or third-party website. You can always verify a message’s legitimacy by contacting ODOT directly at 1-888-Ask-ODOT and DMV directly at 1-855-540-6655. For more information about fraud prevention, visit oregondmv.com.