Scams Target Victims Via Text or Email Appearing to Be From State Agencies

Scammers throughout the country are targeting victims through phishing and SMiShing attacks with messages appearing to come from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Employment Security. These messages typically alert recipients that there is missing or incorrect information and to click on the provided link to a malicious website to update this information. These scams have been most recently reported in the states of Illinois, New York, California, and Wyoming – but are most likely hitting other states as well. 

Details

A recent scam impacting Illinois residents involves receiving a text message appearing to come from the Secretary of State. The message has been reported to include this info:

Similar text messages appearing to come from the Illinois Department of Transportation refer to the state’s driver’s license validation program requesting the recipients to click on a link to validate their personal information. Clicking on the link takes the recipient to a malicious website where they are asked to enter their personal information.

Other versions of these scams have also been reported in New York, California and Wyoming but most likely hitting other residents in other states as well. Scam messages may also refer to the upcoming federal REAL ID requirements and request to update your information by clicking on a link.

The credit union will never contact you via text message or email asking for personal information. If you receive one of these text messages or emails, DO NOT respond and delete it.

SMiShing uses text messaging to send fraudulent messages in the hopes you will click on a link or text back personal information, install malware, and steal funds. Fraudsters can be well disguised into luring you into calling a phone number or clicking on a link to install malware or a virus on your phone.

Phishing uses a similar method of trying to gather personal information using deceptive emails and websites.

Keep in mind…intimidation tactics and urgent requests are common in both SMiShing and Phishing scams.

Risk Mitigation

• Pay attention to emails, texts, links and websites. Think before you click!
• Be suspicious of any communication requesting personal information
• Delete text messages or emails like these
• Hang up on any calls that ask you for your social security number or other personal information
• Keep software up to date on phones and other devices