TxDMV warns of suspicious emails and text messages

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles sent out an alert for Texans to watch for suspicious email and text messages claiming to be from their organization. The messages are sent by cyber criminals attempting to gain access to private information or deliver harmful files to a computer.

TxDMV is urging state residents not to click any links provided in emails and text messages that appear suspicious. The department stated it will never reach out directly via email or text communication and request personal information.

Examples of fake text messages are those stating that residents have pending renewal fees, can claim money from the DMV from a good record or have a pending refund payment to collect. Fake emails from the criminals might contain a message asking the recipient to validate their profile and ask them to click a link.

The department stated if you receive a suspicious text message to not click any links or reply to the message. Residents should block the sender on their phone, delete the text message and report the message to their cellular carrier. Residents should also not reply, click any links or open any attachments from a suspicious email. If an email is received, hover over the link with your mouse to see if it directs to a legitimate address.

“If an email or text message appearing to come from TxDMV seems out of the ordinary or too good to be true, please use good judgment. Contact TxDMV directly if any message seems suspicious. As always, be safe, be vigilant and exercise caution in your day-to-day communication needs via email or text,” TxDMV wrote June 17.