You’re standing in line at the grocery store or stuck at a red light, and suddenly a text message pops up on your phone.

It reads: “Emergency: Your driver’s license has been suspended. Click here to resolve it immediately.”

Your heart races. Is this real? Did you forget something important? Unpaid tickets? Suddenly, you feel that knot of panic before you can even think straight.

But let’s be clear: it’s a scam.

These fraudulent messages, pretending to be from the automotive sector, are bombarding inboxes nationwide, including in Alabama. They’re crafted to look official and urgent, but in truth, they come from scammers hoping to trick you into sharing your personal details, clicking harmful links, or making payments that go nowhere.

According to Jeff Taylor, who heads commercial fraud forensic medicine at regional banks, “Real agencies do not request personal information via text.”

Scammers leverage fear and urgency effectively; messages might say something like, “Last Notification: Your license has been suspended. Click here to resolve it.” They’re also surprisingly sophisticated, often mimicking actual state agencies with believable graphics and deceptive links.

Reports about these DMV scams have surged dramatically lately, with cybersecurity firm Guardio noting a 770% increase just in early June. Many of these messages are even utilizing AI to sharpen their language, making them tougher to catch.

DMV Text Scam – What should you do?

If you get a suspicious text from a supposed DMV or other state agency, here’s what to consider:

• Do not respond to the text or click any links.
• If you think the message might be legitimate, contact your state DMV directly through a verified website or official phone number. Avoid using any numbers provided in the suspicious text.
• Forward the message to 7726 (spam) to help your wireless provider block similar messages.
• Use your messaging app to mark the text as junk or spam.
• Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

As Jeff Taylor puts it, “These criminals count on fear and urgency. If you take a moment to verify information and report any suspicious messages, you’re less likely to become their next target.”

Stay vigilant

Whether it’s your driver’s license, bank details, or your peace of mind at stake, exercising caution is critical. In Alabama and beyond, raising fraud awareness is essential. If a text feels off, trust those instincts and don’t click on anything.

“Scammers want you to act in haste,” Taylor warns. “That’s how they steal your money and identity.”

Remember, state agencies, including those in Alabama, will not request payments or legal warnings via text. Genuine messages are typically limited to appointment reminders or basic notifications—not financial requests.

If you’re uncertain, don’t reply directly to the message. Instead, go straight to the official DMV website or call using a verified number.

In summary, if you receive a text claiming your license is suspended, take a breath before you panic. It very well might be a scam trying to exploit your fear.