By Shannon Lukens.
Scam alert. This one is from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Colorado residents including in Routt and Moffat, and Grand counties, are getting text messages and emails that say you haven’t paid a traffic ticket or parking violations, or you haven’t registered your vehicle, and your driving privileges are being taken away. It’s a scam.
“Do not click on the link. Absolutely not. Do not click on the link.”
That’s Moffat County Clerk and Recorder Stacy Morgan.
Routt County Clerk & Recorder Jenny Thomas says their office has also been getting many calls about it.
“We just want to let everybody know that this is a scam. Don’t click the links. Department of Motor Vehicles is not going to be texting or emailing about unpaid traffic violations. It’s just really important to get the word out that this is a scam.”
Fraud Alerts/Scams — Colorado Department of Revenue
Scam Alert: Fraudulent Texts Impersonate the Colorado DMV
Colorado DMV Issues Urgent Warning on New Text Scam Threatening Prosecution and License Suspension
DENVER – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 — The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is alerting Coloradans to a new wave of fraudulent text messages. Scammers are now directly impersonating the DMV, falsely claiming recipients have unpaid tickets and threatening severe consequences such as prosecution, suspension of vehicle registration, and revocation of driving privileges. These claims are entirely false and designed to intimidate individuals into immediate compliance.
These deceptive text messages are crafted to appear as official communications from the Colorado DMV. Their primary goal is to frighten recipients into clicking malicious links and divulging personal or financial information under the guise of settling non-existent violations.
While the exact wording can vary, these fraudulent texts typically:
- State they are from the “Colorado DMV” or a similar official-sounding entity.
- Allege outstanding unpaid tickets or violations.
- Threaten imminent legal action, such as prosecution.
- Warn of pending suspension of vehicle registration and/or driving privileges.
- Contain a link to a fake website to “resolve” the issue or make a payment.
It is critical for all Coloradans to understand: 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 links often lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
- 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 to the text message.
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.
About the Colorado DMV
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is committed to promoting public safety, trust, and confidence by providing customer-focused driver license and motor vehicle services. With a vision to enhance the quality of life for all Coloradans, the DMV strives to deliver exemplary service, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for every customer. Visit DMV.Colorado.gov to learn more.
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