Secretary of State Shenna Bellows warned earlier this week of a widespread text scam received by Mainers across the state.  Similar text scams have been reported numerous times this year.

The text says:  “Important Reminder from the Maine DMV” and threatens the recipient with several consequences, from vehicle registration and license suspension to late payments and legal proceedings for failing to pay for a supposed violaton.  A link is provided in the text and leads to a fake website.  Neither the text nor the website is associated with the Secretary of State’s Office or the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehkcles (BMV).

“Similar fake texts are appearing with increasing frequency,” said Secretary Bellows.  ‘”Unfortunately, this is likely a sign that the scammers are finding success and new victims each time they send out a new batch of texts.”

Scammers often send mass texts (“smishing”) or emails (“phishing”) to as many receipients as possible with the hope that some will be tricked into falling for the ruse.  Scammers seek to obtain personal identifying information and/or financial information from their victims.  If you are the victim of a scam, always notify your financial institutions right away.  If you fall for a scam, be sure to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.  You can also freeze your credit file to prevent scammers from using stolen personal informatdion to open up fraudulent accounts in your name.

To avoid becoming a victim of a scam, always be suspicious of any unsolicited text, email or call no matter who they claim to be or what displays on your caller ID.