NEW YORK (WKBW) — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued a warning to New Yorkers about a new phishing scam.
According to the NYS DMV, "the latest phishing scam involves sending people text messages falsely claiming New York State is offering $1,500 rebates as a result of high fuel prices."
The text message contains a link and if someone clicks on the link it takes them to a webpage that is designed to look like the NYS DMV website where they are asked to submit personal information.
“We want New Yorkers to be aware that these scams are out there, and we urge them to be vigilant if they receive any text message or email that seems suspicious. DMV will not send you text messages asking for your personal information. If you aren’t sure if you received a phishing scam, you may contact us at dmv.sm.phishingattacks@dmv.ny.gov.”
- DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder
To help protect yourself against phishing or smishing (SMS phishing) scams, the state recommends the following precautions:
- Be cautious about all communications you receive, including those that purport to be from "trusted entities." Be careful when clicking any links contained within those messages. If in doubt, do not click.
- Do not send your personal information via email. Legitimate businesses will not ask users to send sensitive personal information through email.
- Keep an eye out for telltale signs: poor spelling or grammar, the use of threats, or the URL does not match that of the legitimate site.
- Be wary of how much information you post online. The less information you post, the less data you make available to a cybercriminal for use in developing a potential attack or scam.
