HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown and Prosecutor Renée Robeson are warning residents about a new wave of scam text messages falsely claiming to be from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The fraudulent messages often request personal information or payment and may include suspicious links that can expose recipients to identity theft or malware.
“These scammers are getting more sophisticated, but it’s important to remember that no legitimate DMV will ever ask for your personal information or payment through a text message,” said Sheriff Brown. “We’re asking the public to be alert, report these messages, and never click suspicious links.”
One red flag: the use of the outdated term “DMV.” In New Jersey, the agency is officially known as the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Any message referring to the “DMV” should be treated as suspicious, officials said.
Prosecutor Robeson also urged caution with unsolicited texts.
“We want to remind the community not to click on links in text messages,” Robeson said. “Bad actors often pose as trusted organizations to trick you into giving up personal information. When in doubt, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website. Your vigilance helps avoid becoming a victim of fraud.”
Authorities recommend residents take the following steps if they receive a suspicious message:
- Do not click links or respond to the message.
- Report the message to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
- Verify any claims by contacting the MVC directly through its official website or trusted phone number.
- Block and report the number through your mobile phone’s messaging app.
“Scammers prey on urgency and fear,” Brown added. “Take a moment to pause, verify, and report. Your quick action can protect you — and help protect others.”
For more information or to report suspicious activity locally, contact the Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office at 908-788-1166.
