FBI urges millions of users to delete this text right away—what’s hiding behind the link might cost you
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Something strange may already be sitting in your phone’s inbox—and if it is, experts say you need to delete it immediately.
It may look like it’s from somewhere official, even familiar, but don’t be fooled.
Authorities have just issued a rare nationwide warning over a spike in texts that could open the door to more than just inconvenience.
The threat is growing fast—and it’s targeting tens of millions of Americans with smartphones.
The messages pretend to be from state motor vehicle agencies. They claim that the recipient has unpaid tolls or traffic fines and could lose their license—or worse—if they don’t act fast.
Each text includes a clickable link, supposedly offering a way to “resolve the issue.” But what actually happens is far more dangerous.
He said the goal is to “steal your personal data, payment information, and even spy on your device activity.”
The scammers have become better at mimicking the tone, look, and branding of real agencies. Some include logos, reference the person’s home state, and use language that sounds just formal enough to pass.
Officials believe the tactic is meant to trigger urgency—and fear. Most people don’t want to risk a license suspension or penalty, so they act without checking first.
Also read: Discover the smart scam alert that could protect your bank account!
State agencies confirm: they never text for this
Authorities are now urging the public not to respond. DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder addressed the concern directly:
“These scammers flood phones with texts, hoping to trick unsuspecting people into handing over their personal information. DMV will never send texts asking for sensitive details.”
How big is the problem? Alarming surge reported
Experts have noted a 773% increase in these scam messages in the first week of June alone. That’s not an error—nearly an eightfold jump in just days.
And because it’s a national scam, no one area is safe. Anyone with a phone could be targeted—regardless of location or device.
Also read: Think twice before sharing that viral post—it could be a scam.
Simple actions that protect your identity
If you receive one of these messages:
Look out for these red flags in scam texts
Why scammers are targeting your parents—and maybe even you
These scams often affect older adults most, as criminals assume they’re less familiar with identifying digital fraud. But younger users aren’t immune either—especially those who multitask quickly on mobile and click before thinking.
The FBI rarely issues wide public alerts like this, but when they do, it’s serious. Don’t fall for the scam, and don’t assume you’ll be able to tell it apart. If there’s a problem with your driving record or vehicle, go directly to the official DMV website. Otherwise, just hit delete.
Read next: A new phone scam is targeting seniors with fake health insurance deals—here’s what to know before you pick up
Whether you received something strange or almost clicked on a suspicious message, your story might help someone else. Have you been targeted recently? Drop your experience in the comments to help others stay one step ahead.
It may look like it’s from somewhere official, even familiar, but don’t be fooled.
Authorities have just issued a rare nationwide warning over a spike in texts that could open the door to more than just inconvenience.
The threat is growing fast—and it’s targeting tens of millions of Americans with smartphones.
It starts with a fine—but ends in stolen data
For years, scam texts have made the rounds: delayed packages, unexpected prizes, fake promotions. But now, a new wave has arrived—and according to federal agents, it's far more aggressive and deceptive than the rest.The messages pretend to be from state motor vehicle agencies. They claim that the recipient has unpaid tolls or traffic fines and could lose their license—or worse—if they don’t act fast.
Each text includes a clickable link, supposedly offering a way to “resolve the issue.” But what actually happens is far more dangerous.
Authorities have just issued a rare nationwide warning over a spike in texts that could open the door to more than just inconvenience. Image Source: Adem AY / Unsplash
Officials confirm: malware is spreading through phones
According to law enforcement, clicking that link can infect your device. Once inside, it’s capable of accessing everything from stored passwords and banking details to your camera and microphone activity. Supervisory Special Agent David Palmer has warned that these types of links could plant malicious software that operates in the background without your knowledge.He said the goal is to “steal your personal data, payment information, and even spy on your device activity.”
The scammers have become better at mimicking the tone, look, and branding of real agencies. Some include logos, reference the person’s home state, and use language that sounds just formal enough to pass.
Officials believe the tactic is meant to trigger urgency—and fear. Most people don’t want to risk a license suspension or penalty, so they act without checking first.
Also read: Discover the smart scam alert that could protect your bank account!
State agencies confirm: they never text for this
Authorities are now urging the public not to respond. DMV Commissioner Mark J. F. Schroeder addressed the concern directly:
“These scammers flood phones with texts, hoping to trick unsuspecting people into handing over their personal information. DMV will never send texts asking for sensitive details.”
How big is the problem? Alarming surge reported
Experts have noted a 773% increase in these scam messages in the first week of June alone. That’s not an error—nearly an eightfold jump in just days.
And because it’s a national scam, no one area is safe. Anyone with a phone could be targeted—regardless of location or device.
Also read: Think twice before sharing that viral post—it could be a scam.
Simple actions that protect your identity
If you receive one of these messages:
- Do not click any link.
- Do not reply to the message.
- Delete it immediately.
- Change your passwords across all major accounts.
- Monitor your bank and credit card activity.
- Consider setting up a fraud alert with a credit bureau.
Look out for these red flags in scam texts
- Vague greetings like “Dear Customer.”
- Alarming language or threats like “You will lose your license.”
- Links that seem odd or unfamiliar.
- Requests for personal information like Social Security numbers or banking info.
Why scammers are targeting your parents—and maybe even you
These scams often affect older adults most, as criminals assume they’re less familiar with identifying digital fraud. But younger users aren’t immune either—especially those who multitask quickly on mobile and click before thinking.
The FBI rarely issues wide public alerts like this, but when they do, it’s serious. Don’t fall for the scam, and don’t assume you’ll be able to tell it apart. If there’s a problem with your driving record or vehicle, go directly to the official DMV website. Otherwise, just hit delete.
Read next: A new phone scam is targeting seniors with fake health insurance deals—here’s what to know before you pick up
