Delaware DMV Urges Caution Over New Text Message Scam
April 9, 2026/
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is warning residents about a new text message scam claiming recipients have unpaid traffic violations and must click a link to avoid penalties. Officials say the messages are fraudulent and designed to steal personal and financial information, emphasizing that the DMV and E-ZPass Delaware do not request payments by text. Residents are urged not to click suspicious links, to report scams to federal authorities, and to monitor their accounts if they may have shared sensitive information.
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Additional Information from the DMV:
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The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is urging Delawareans not to click on links in suspicious text messages.
This latest reminder comes after a new Short Message Service (SMS) phishing scam has surfaced referencing the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. The scam alert states that the recipient has an outstanding traffic violation and instructs them to “click on a link” to pay the amount due by a specific date to avoid the suspension of their vehicle registration, driving privileges, further legal action, and referral to a debt collector.
This latest reminder comes after a new Short Message Service (SMS) phishing scam has surfaced referencing the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles. The scam alert states that the recipient has an outstanding traffic violation and instructs them to “click on a link” to pay the amount due by a specific date to avoid the suspension of their vehicle registration, driving privileges, further legal action, and referral to a debt collector.
These text message alerts are a scam designed to trick recipients into paying an undisclosed amount while also gaining access to their personal, private, and financial data. The DMV urges all
residents and customers not to click on any links that solicit money for unpaid traffic or toll violations or for account replenishment. The Delaware DMV and E-ZPass Delaware will not
contact you via text demanding payment for a violation.
“We are seeing an increase in fraudulent text messages designed to create a sense of urgency and pressure individuals into taking immediate action,” said DMV Director Amy Anthony. “The most
effective way to protect yourself is to pause, avoid clicking on links, and refrain from sharing any personal information unless you are absolutely certain the message is legitimate. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts. It’s always better to verify than become a victim of a scam,” continued Anthony.
Anyone who receives a suspicious text or email can report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. When reporting, please include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
Anyone who clicks on a suspicious link or has provided sensitive information to an unknown source should secure their personal information and financial accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges with their financial institutions and credit card companies.
For information about your license or registration, log on to your MyDMV account at myDMV.delaware.gov. You may also call 302-744-2500 or email DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov.
For information about your E-ZPass account, visit ezpassde.com, stop by the E-ZPassDE Customer Service Center in Downtown Dover, or call 1-888-397-2773.
residents and customers not to click on any links that solicit money for unpaid traffic or toll violations or for account replenishment. The Delaware DMV and E-ZPass Delaware will not
contact you via text demanding payment for a violation.
“We are seeing an increase in fraudulent text messages designed to create a sense of urgency and pressure individuals into taking immediate action,” said DMV Director Amy Anthony. “The most
effective way to protect yourself is to pause, avoid clicking on links, and refrain from sharing any personal information unless you are absolutely certain the message is legitimate. If something seems suspicious, trust your instincts. It’s always better to verify than become a victim of a scam,” continued Anthony.
Anyone who receives a suspicious text or email can report it to the Federal Trade Commission or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. When reporting, please include the phone number from where the text originated and the website listed within the text.
Anyone who clicks on a suspicious link or has provided sensitive information to an unknown source should secure their personal information and financial accounts and dispute any unfamiliar charges with their financial institutions and credit card companies.
For information about your license or registration, log on to your MyDMV account at myDMV.delaware.gov. You may also call 302-744-2500 or email DMVCustomerService@delaware.gov.
For information about your E-ZPass account, visit ezpassde.com, stop by the E-ZPassDE Customer Service Center in Downtown Dover, or call 1-888-397-2773.
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