Recognizing scams

Wisconsin DMV is warning consumers of common phishing scam attempts. Scammers are increasingly texting and emailing consumers, posing as Wisconsin DMV and demanding payment or personal information. These messages are not from Wisconsin DMV. Wisconsin DMV will never text you to demand payment for a service.

What to watch for:

• Demands for money.
• Urgency.
• Requests for personal information.

Ways to protect yourself:

• Sign up for DMV's eNotify, wisconsindmv.gov/enotify, to receive transaction alerts on your DMV account which will help identify any fraudulent activity. These alerts can help you spot any suspicious or fraudulent charges or changes to your account. For example, when an application for a duplicate license or ID is submitted or when your address is changed an alert will go out.
  
• Begin your service at the provider's home website. Don’t click on unsolicited links.
• If you have not signed up to receive email or text messages from DMV and you receive an unsolicited text message or email from an unknown number or person, do not respond, engage with the caller or click on links.

Resources:

• How to spot imposter, texting and phishing scams.

If you are the victim of a scam, you may:

• File a complaint with Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
• File a police report with the local law enforcement agency where you reside.
• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the IC3 www.ic3.gov.
• Speak to AARP’s Fraud Watch Helpline and find Fraud Victim Support Groups (all ages accepted).
• Request a free credit report and research identity theft prevention.

WisDOT is committed to protecting consumers who can always initiate DMV services online at wisconsindmv.gov.

Recent scams

Be aware of these recent scams commonly reported within Wisconsin. These are often sent by text or email. These are not from WisDOT or Wisconsin DMV. Do not click on links or provide personal information.

Some examples may look like: