Department of Motor Vehicles warns Alaskans to be alert of scam text messages

A customer looks at the screen of an iPhone 6 Plus in a Sept. 19, 2024, file photo. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)

By Jasz Garrett

Juneau Independent

The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles is alerting the public about fraudulent text messages claiming to originate from the Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles.

The scam texts are in no way connected to the Alaska DMV and should be disregarded or reported as spam, according to a press release published Thursday.

The Alaska DMV does not request payments or sensitive personal information via text message. Residents are urged to avoid responding to or sending money in response to these fraudulent messages.

"The State of Alaska is aware of this situation and is actively monitoring it to protect residents from these deceptive practices," the release states. "If you receive a suspicious text, do not respond or engage."

An example of a scam text message going out to Alaska residents. (Screenshot)

If a resident receives a suspicious text, they should not click links, send money, or provide any personal information.

"DMVs nationwide are aware of this scheme and are actively working to protect residents from these deceptive practices," the release states. "If you have received a scam text, you do not need to report it to DMV, it should be reported as spam and then deleted."

The DMV does not send texts from international or out-of-country area codes. Additionally, the DMV does not collect payments for traffic tickets.

• Contact Jasz Garrett at jasz@juneauindependent.com or (907) 723-9356.