CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey warned consumers to be on guard against scammers who email citations and falsely claim to represent the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles.
Consumers receive an email citation from a “Department of Motor Vehicles” regarding a “Notice of Unsatisfied Photo Enforcement Ticket.”
A West Virginia consumer reported receiving such an email. It sought a $50 online payment for a ticket issued in Pennsylvania that had already been paid. The communication claimed there was an issue with the first payment.
“Lots of people get a ticket at some point in their life,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “When taking care of it, it’s important to know you’re dealing with the legitimate DMV.”
Consumers should know the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles does not send billing emails. Any correspondence using the word “department” as opposed to its actual name also should be a red flag.
As with any unexpected request for payment, consumers should verify the recipient’s authenticity before giving account information over the phone or via a computer.
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808 or the Eastern Panhandle Consumer Protection Office in Martinsburg at 304-267-0239. To file a report online, visit www.wvago.gov.
