Impersonating “Alabama DMV”
MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is warning citizens about
a nationwide phishing scam that has recently targeted Alabamians with fraudulent text messages
falsely claiming to be from the “Alabama Department of Vehicles (DMV)” and demanding
payment for non-existent traffic tickets. These messages threaten to suspend individuals’ driving
privileges for 30 days and suspend vehicle registrations unless recipients click a malicious link or
provide personal information.
State officials emphasize that there is no such entity as the Alabama Department of Vehicles
(DMV). In Alabama, driver licensing services are administered by the Alabama Law
Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Driver License Division, and vehicle registration is handled by
the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR). Additionally, license plates issuance is handled
through local county probate offices.
ALEA and its Driver License Division do not send unsolicited text messages threatening
prosecution and requesting personal information or payment. Any such message should be
considered suspicious and deleted immediately.
“Scammers are trying to create a false sense of urgency by threatening you and your driving
privileges,” said ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor. “We urge all Alabamians to be cautious and
remember that our Agency will never contact you this way.
What to Watch For:
- Text messages claiming to be from the “Alabama DMV”
- Warnings about immediate license suspension or vehicle registration cancellation • Links prompting users to enter personal or financial information
What to Do:
- Do not click on links in suspicious text messages
- Do not provide any personal information
- Report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission and/or the IC3 www.ic3.gov
