By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning the public of an increase in more sophisticated scams throughout the State, including Tucker County and wants to remind the public that it will never “play on fear.”
Scams that specifically target the DMV often come in the form of a text or other fake message with a demand for immediate payment for a toll, fine or registration fee with an included link. These messages may often look authentic with an official looking website or unauthorized use of the West Virginia State Seal to give it an air of legitimacy.
These scams are designed to play on victims’ fear and request immediate action. Inaction or failure to act, often is claimed to have such threats as suspended license and “Final Notice” tactics attached. Most will come with deadlines within a matter of a couple of days before extreme action will be taken by the “entity” in question.
Other scams that have come to light recently, the DMV has released, include those that rely on confusion. Common themes for these scams include unpaid parking violations and turnpike tolls. The DMV stated that they do not collect either of those fees.
How the scams work is by unsuspecting victims clicking on links attached to the messages and entering their credit card or other financial and personal information. These scams are designed to steal financial and personal information. The DMV said that while most of the scams of late have arrived via text, scams can also arrive on paper or by email, as well. A recent scam was reported to be from the Kanawha County Municipal Court that used the State Seal.
To report suspicious messages, scams or for more information go to the DMV website at dmv.wv.gov or call 800-642-9066. The DMV said it will always take time to answer questions.
