Scam claims you owe ODOT or DMV money – don’t fall for it

Oregon transportation officials are warning residents to ignore fraudulent text messages claiming recipients owe money for unpaid traffic fines or toll violations.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division, the unsolicited messages are scams designed to steal personal and financial information.

“If you receive an unsolicited text message claiming to be from ODOT or DMV saying you owe money for an unpaid traffic fine or toll balance, it’s a scam. Do not click any links or provide payment or personal identifying information,” said DMV Public Information Officer Chris Crabb in a statement. “These are fake messages designed to steal your personal and financial information. We recommend you delete the message and block the sender.”

Officials say the latest scam texts typically come from unknown phone numbers and use urgent language such as “Evasion Notice for Oregon Traffic Court” or “Final Notice – Toll Violation (Oregon).” The messages claim the recipient must pay by a certain date to avoid penalties and may reference a fabricated Oregon administrative code. Some include fraudulent web links that appear legitimate by using terms such as ODOT, DMV or “oregon.gov.”

State agencies emphasize they will never request payment through unsolicited text messages, emails, phone calls or third-party websites.

Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised not to click links or respond, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and delete the text while blocking the sender. Suspected scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission, including the sender’s phone number and any links contained in the message.

Anyone who may have already clicked a link or shared personal information should secure financial accounts, dispute unfamiliar charges and file a consumer complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice.

Officials say legitimate inquiries can always be verified by contacting ODOT at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or DMV at 1-855-540-6655, or by visiting the state DMV website for additional fraud-prevention information.