Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is warning of a new text message-based scam that is attempting to steal money and your driver’s license information. Customers have been getting text messages asking them to follow a fraudulent link to pay an outstanding traffic ticket. The message claims to be from the “State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)” which does not exist in Georgia. The link takes users to a website that may look very similar to the official DDS website, but it is not.
DDS Commissioner Angelique B. McClendon says such text messages are fraudulent and likely an attempt by scammers to obtain your money and personal information. “DDS employees do not contact customers to ask for payment or other confidential information. Anyone who receives such communication should consider it a scam. Customers who are pending a license suspension or other changes in their license status are notified in writing by DDS. Anyone who receives these — or similar — text messages should not open or respond to them and instead delete such messages immediately.”
Customers can quickly verify the status of their license on the DDS website at this secure link https://dds.drives.ga.gov/_/?link=Logon. In addition, DDS encourages all customers to create an Online Services Account at DDS Online Services and utilize the new digital driver’s license for an easy way to monitor your personal information 24/7. Many transactions can be initiated online such as ordering a replacement license or an address change without visiting a DDS Center.
Voice and computer phishing scammers use many varied tactics to trick victims into handing over their personal or financial information. Georgians should be very cautious of any unsolicited telephone calls, texts or emails that claim to be government departments, banks or companies that instruct them to follow a link or open an attachment to update or verify personal information.
