CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – As scams continue to evolve nationwide, the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is urging residents to remain vigilant against fraudulent messages posing as official communications.
According to the DMV, many scams are designed to create a sense of fear and urgency, often pressuring individuals to take immediate action.
Officials emphasized that these scams frequently involve claims of unpaid fees that victims are unaware of, noting that “scams rely on something you didn’t know you owed, because you don’t!”
The agency also highlighted confusion as a common tactic used by scammers.
Recent schemes have included messages about unpaid parking violations or turnpike tolls. The DMV clarified that it does not collect payments for these types of fines.
Authorities say scam messages have recently been delivered via text, though they can also arrive by email or traditional mail.
In one case, a fraudulent notice claiming to be from a Kanawha County Municipal Court used the state seal to appear legitimate.
Officials warned that as scams become more sophisticated, they may closely resemble real government correspondence.
Residents who receive suspicious messages claiming to be from the DMV are encouraged to verify their authenticity by contacting the agency directly at (800) 642-9066.
The DMV stressed the importance of continued public awareness, encouraging individuals to share information about scams with family, friends, and co-workers, particularly those who may not regularly access news or social media.
More information is available on the DMV’s website at dmv.wv.gov.
