Do Not Respond or Open Links in Unsolicited Texts
SPRINGFIELD, IL… State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is warning constituents of another text message scam targeting Illinois residents with fraudulent text messages that claim to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” (DMV) and threaten to suspend their vehicle registration and driving privileges. The IL DMV only sends text messages to remind residents about scheduled DMV appointments. The legitimate Illinois DMV does not send out text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status.
“These phishing scams have become too common and more frequent with our use of cell phones and are attempts to cheat Illinoisans out of their personal information and hard-earned money,” said Rep. Niemerg. “We all need to slow down and take a good look at messages that come in to be sure we know the sender before we click on it or open any links. Not every message is from our loved ones, our local pharmacy reminding us of a prescription, or an announcement from our church or chamber of commerce.”
The phony text messages are attempts designed to trick residents into providing personal or financial information. Rep. Niemerg advises people to report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
For more information, contact Rep. Niemerg’s office at (217) 813-3063 or visit RepNiemerg.com.