GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Scammers are at it once more, this time sending faux texts about unpaid site visitors tickets.
The messages are much like the toll scams going round, however these declare to be coming from the Michigan Division of Motor Autos. Michigan would not have a DMV — the Secretary of State’s Workplace handles car providers.
“This is a scam,” the SOS warned in a statement. “The Michigan Department of State / Secretary of State will never ask people to send money or personal information via text message. Please contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for more information on how to identify scams and to file a complaint.”
An indication on US-131 warns drivers to be cautious of rip-off texts about toll charges. (June 11, 2025)
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Michigan State Police known as it a “fraudulent textual content designed to provide concern and misery to be able to persuade individuals to pay a site visitors ticket that doesn’t exist.”
“All of us are under attack by these criminals. Stay vigilant and use good judgement before complying with any suspicious messages,” MSP suggested in a social media submit.
Messages like these, which come from quite a lot of unfamiliar numbers and even e-mail addresses, are a part of a rising “smishing” rip-off. The textual content threatens extreme penalties if speedy motion isn’t taken, like claiming that the sufferer’s driver’s license shall be suspended in the event that they don’t pay a superb.
Alicia Thomas, a Grand Rapids resident, advised Information 8 she has obtained many “smishing” scams — together with the DMV ticket one — and has discovered the ways convincing.
A rip-off textual content falsely saying the recipient owes a superb on a site visitors ticket. (June 11, 2025)
“It is really intimidating and scary when you think about what the actions could be, especially if you’re driving around with a kiddos or your family in the car. And you’re like, ‘Oh no, I don’t want it to be impounded,’ or, ‘I don’t want to get a ticket,’” she stated. “It says that it could also be affecting your credit score and that’s something I think a lot of people have anxieties about. So it’s really unfortunate that people are getting these and taking advantage and preying on people’s anxieties and stressors.”
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Even Kent County’s undersheriff admits these scams aren’t at all times simple to identify.
“I’ve almost been victim to every one these scams, I’ll be honest,” Undersheriff Bryan Muir stated. “When you receive these texts, just take a minute to look where it’s originated from, what names are being used and do a little fact-finding.”
Troy Baker, a spokesperson for the Higher Enterprise Bureau in Western Michigan, stated this sort of message might change form, so it’s essential to at all times stay skeptical about any texts asking for funds or private info.
“Scammers look at these things like a business. If it didn’t work, they’d move on to something else,” he stated. “So the fact that we see it so much means that they are getting a lot of people to fall for it. They’re making money on it.”
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In case you get an identical textual content, do not click on any hyperlinks. Delete the message and report it as junk.
“If you have people in your life who are maybe not tech savvy or maybe from an older generation who are not familiar with these things, just let them be aware because that is a population that definitely get preyed on a lot,” Thomas, the Grand Rapids resident, suggested.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Workplace says to achieve out when you have any questions or if you need to report a suspicious textual content.
“I don’t see these types of scams ever ending,” Muir stated. “We do our best to stay on top of it and there is prosecution whenever possible, but just stay aware and stay mindful.”
