Don’t Get Scammed: License Suspension Text Message Scams

As people learn to detect and avoid email, telephone, and text scams, scammers are getting more creative in their quest to defraud innocent people. While we all know you shouldn’t click unknown links in emails and text messages, when those emails or texts appear to come from a genuine government department like the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), it can be a challenge to know whether a link is safe.

Text Message That Says Your License Has Been Temporarily Suspended

One recent scam that drivers need to be aware of comes in the form of a text message that informs the recipient that their driver’s license has been temporarily suspended, and they need to click on the included link to verify their driver’s license information. 

According to the DDS, DDS employees will never contact you by phone, text, or email to obtain private and confidential information such as your driver’s license number or your social security number. Any communications from the DDS, whether it’s regarding a suspension or anything else DDS-related, will be done via a written notice. 

If you’re worried because you’ve received a text message containing this kind of message purportedly from the DDS, don’t give in to the temptation to click on the link. Doing so can result in putting your private information at risk. 

You can always check your driver’s license status on the DDS website. The DDS also offers the free DDS 2 GO mobile app, which lets you manage your DDS information and transactions while you’re on the go once you’ve created an Online Services Account with the DDS. For example, you can change your address online through the DDS site or the mobile app. 

Staying Safe From Scams

Scammers have gotten more sophisticated in their use of text and email to defraud people. Even if a message appears to come from a government authority or a company or bank you frequent, it’s important to keep in mind that these entities will never ask their customers or clients to provide confidential or financial information online via a link in a text or an email. 

But sometimes a scammer can get very creative, resulting in a scam text or email message that looks genuine. If you receive a message like this, whether it’s via a text or an email, never click the link or open any attachments. 

The messages that accompany these scams are often alarming, warning you of dire things happening if you don’t give the information you’re being asked for. If you’re ever in doubt as to whether you should click on a link, the best course of action is to call the company, bank, or government authority directly and ask them if the text or email message you’ve received is authentic. 

When You Need a Car Accident Attorney, Contact Our Office

You need to be wary of a scam that tries to obtain confidential information like your driver’s license number. But staying safe from scams won’t help you stay safe on the road. If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and need the assistance of an experienced accident attorney, the car accident attorneys at Hudson Injury Firm can help. Call us today to schedule a consultation.