Colorado DMV flags new round of fraudulent texts

They’re at it again — and we’re onto them. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning residents that scammers have launched a fresh round of fraudulent texts impersonating the agency. The DMV is aware of these latest attempts and is working closely with the Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) to put the brakes on this scam for good.

These scammers are directly impersonating the DMV, falsely claiming recipients have unpaid tickets and threatening severe consequences, including prosecution, the suspension of vehicle registration and the revocation of driving privileges. These claims are entirely false and are designed to intimidate individuals into immediate compliance.

“We want Coloradans to know that we are actively monitoring these reports and collaborating with our partners in OIT and law enforcement to mitigate this threat,” DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle said. “In the meantime, public awareness is our strongest defense.”

While the exact wording of these messages can vary, the fraudulent texts typically:

• Claim to be from the "Colorado DMV" or a similar official-sounding entity.
• Allege outstanding unpaid tickets or driving violations.
• Threaten imminent legal action, such as criminal prosecution.
• Warn of pending suspension of vehicle registration and/or driving privileges.
• Contain a malicious link to a fake website to "resolve" the issue or make a payment.

It is critical for all Coloradans to understand that these messages are not from the Colorado DMV. The DMV does not initiate contact via unsolicited text messages to demand payment for tickets or to threaten prosecution or suspension of privileges in this manner.

If you receive a suspicious text message claiming to be from the DMV:

• Do not click on any links. These lead to "phishing" sites designed to steal your identity or financial data.
• Do not share any personal or financial information. This includes your driver's license number, Social Security number, credit card details or banking information.
• Do not reply. Responding only confirms to the scammer that your number is active.

If you are concerned about the status of your driver's license, vehicle registration, or any potential tickets, contact the Colorado DMV directly through its official website at dmv.colorado.gov or by phone at (303) 205-5600. Do not use any contact information provided in the suspicious text.

If you have not engaged in any activity that would result in a ticket or penalty, it is almost certainly a scam.

Anyone who receives one of these fraudulent texts is encouraged to report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Be sure to include the phone number or email that sent the message and the website linked in the text.

The Colorado DMV urges all residents to be extremely cautious and to share this warning with friends and family. Vigilance is key to protecting your personal information from these evolving scams.