07/17/2025
Get one of these texts? IT'S A SCAM!
This text message might look scary and official, but it’s a scam. Here’s how you can tell—without needing to be a tech expert:
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🔴 1. Weird Phone Number
• The message comes from a number that starts with +63, which is the country code for the Philippines.
• Real government offices in Mississippi don’t text you from international numbers.
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🔴 2. Scary Language and Threats
• It tries to scare you into acting fast: “pay by July 18 or we’ll suspend your license and report you.”
• Scammers use fear to trick people—real government notices don’t threaten you like this over text.
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🔴 3. Fake Website Link
• Look at the link. Looks official? Look again:
• “.cc” is not a U.S. government website. Real government sites end in “.gov”
• The real Mississippi DMV website is www.dps.ms.gov — not dps-licensew.cc
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🔴 4. Poor Wording and Odd Phrases
• Phrases like “Transfer to a toll booth” don’t make sense.
• “You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected” — this is vague and fear-mongering.
• The writing feels off — real agencies use clear and precise language.
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🔴 5. They Want You to Click Fast
• “Reply Y and click this link” — that’s how scammers get you to act before thinking.
• Clicking the link could:
• Steal your personal info
• Install malware on your phone
• Trick you into paying money to the scammers
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✅ What to Do Instead
• Never click links in texts from numbers you don’t recognize.
• Look up the official government website yourself (type it in—not from the message).
• Call the DMV or local police directly if you’re not sure.
• Block and report the message to your phone carrier or reportfraud.ftc.gov
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Bottom Line:
If it looks official, sounds scary, and pushes you to act fast — stop and think. Real government agencies don’t work this way.
