Continuing DMV message scam. Many states getting scammed.

[usonian]

They don't text, any of them, as far as I know.

Got this one today.

CA DMV Final reminder: Enforcement Penalties Begin on June 19.
Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with California State Administrative Code 15C-16.003, If you do not complete payment by June 18, 2025, we will take the following actions:

1. Report to the DMV violation database
2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting June 19
3. Suspend driving privileges for 30 days
4. Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee
5. You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected
Pay Now:

https ://ca.dmv-govyi.icu/portal. (I disabled the link with a space)

Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.
(Reply Y and re-open this message to click the link, or copy it to your browser.)

TIP. When they say Reply Y and re-open this message.
Replying "validates" the sender (I think that Apple patched this hole in security) and re-opening the message clears the way for phishing.

Second tip: ca.dmv-govyi.icu is in the domain "icu" and not "gov"



Several sites report this ongoing scam.
Fake DMV Final Notice Texts Are Back – Scam Explained
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/dmv-final-notice-scam-texts/



Don't click that link: Authorities warn of new DMV scam textsz`
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2025/05/30/dmv-text-message-scam/83944066007/



I did a "delete and report junk" though one never knows if the ISP will add it to the junk list.

Third tip: DMV just renewed my registration. Pretty strong message that I am in the clear.
Fourth tip: The sender was a +66 code (I forgot, it has already been deleted)
Fifth tip: Same code? in CA and Illinois? Yeah right. 15C-16.003
Transfer to a toll booth? What the hell is that, anyway?

Have a safe internet day!!