The Allegany County DMV wants residents to be wary of text messaging scams

The Allegany County DMV wants residents to be wary of text messaging scams 

Over the past few months we have received numerous calls per day from concerned residents regarding a text message they have received. These texts are advising them that they have outstanding traffic ticket fees or unpaid tolls, demanding customers click a link to pay a fine to avoid suspensions. Previous scams have claimed that E-ZPass accounts were about to be suspended. These are phishing scams. 

Phishing texts are fraudulent messages designed to obtain data or sensitive personal information to be used to commit identity theft or trick the recipient into installing malicious software onto a computer or mobile device.

 “Scammers are sending fake text messages in an effort to trick you into giving them your personal information.”, said Deputy Clerk III Amanda Joyce-Phelps. “The DMV will never send you a text message requesting personal information.”

 The New York State Department of Information Technology Services provides the following advice on avoiding these phishing attacks.

 Be cautious about all communications you receive, including those that claim to be from "trusted entities." Be careful when clicking any links contained within those messages. If in doubt, do not click.

• Do not send your personal information via email. Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through email.
• Keep an eye out for telltale signs: poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, or the URL does not match that of the legitimate site.
• Be wary of how much information you post online. The less information you post, the less data you make available to a cybercriminal for use in developing a potential attack or scam. 

If you receive a text message like the one below, delete it, block the sender and report it if you are able.