(INDIANAPOLIS) - Scammers are posing as the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), sending convincing texts and emails that appear to come from the agency -- complete with its logo and links to fake websites. Officials warn that the BMV never sends text messages or emails demanding payment. Anyone who receives such a message should delete it immediately. "The BMV is not going to text a person that they have unpaid fines," said Jan Diaz, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana. "These scams often use urgency, like 'pay immediately to avoid penalties,' to pressure people into acting before they think." The BBB says some of the messages even threaten arrest or legal action if the recipient doesn't respond. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing to make the message appear as if it came from a legitimate government agency.
"It truly is a scam," the BBB cautioned. "There are fake websites and fake phone calls. You can't be sure where it came from -- don't click on links and don't send money."
The BMV reminds residents that the only official site to check fines or fees is in.gov/mybmv. Additional scam alerts can be found on the agency's consumer protection page.
If you've clicked a suspicious link or shared personal information, the BBB recommends contacting your bank immediately and placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with major credit bureaus such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
"If you've given out personal information, act fast," the BBB advised. "There are still steps you can take to protect yourself."
Scam reports can be filed through the BBB Scam Tracker or the Federal Trade Commission's website at reportfraud.ftc.gov.