Rockford Sun

Illinois residents are being cautioned about a phishing scam that poses as a message from the “Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles.” The fraudulent messages have been in circulation for several months and use urgent language, such as “Final Notice” or references to “State Code 15c-16.003,” in an effort to obtain personal and financial information. Some recipients are told they owe traffic fines and risk vehicle suspension or credit damage if they do not respond.

State Senator Dave Syverson advised caution, saying residents should avoid clicking any links or providing information in response to these texts. Syverson, a Republican, has represented Illinois’ 35th Senate District since his election to the state senate in 1993.

The Secretary of State’s office stated it does not send text messages regarding driver’s license or vehicle registration status. Official texts from the agency are limited to appointment reminders.

Suspicious messages can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.