Oregon DMV

04/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/01/2026 09:26

Text saying you owe DMV money is not an April Fools' prank, but it is a scam

DMV Headquarters in Salem

Did you get a text saying you owe ODOT or DMV money? It's not an April Fools' prank, it's a SCAM - don't fall for it.

April 1, 2026

News media: Chris Crabb, [email protected], 971-304-9705

Customer assistance: 503-945-5000, [email protected], oregondmv.com

SALEM - Did you get an urgent text message saying you owe money to the Oregon Department of Transportation or DMV? It's not a harmless April Fools' prank, it's a scam.

Scammers across the country are sending fake texts about unpaid tolls, license suspensions and traffic violations. The messages include a link that takes you to a fake website designed to look real to steal your personal and financial information.

"ODOT and DMV will never ask you to pay through a text message, email, phone call or third-party website," said Oregon DMV Public Information Officer Chris Crabb. "Scammers try to scare you into acting quickly. Do not reply, click links or share payment or personal information. Block the number and delete the text."

Scam texts often use alarming words like "urgent notice," "violation," or "final enforcement." They might warn that your license or registration will be suspended or fines will increase if you do not pay immediately. The links may take you to fake websites that try to get your credit card or personal information.

How to protect yourself

  • Do not click links or reply to an unexpected text message claiming to be from ODOT or DMV.
  • Be careful with any message that demands quick action or asks for payment or personal information.
  • Do not give your personal, financial or vehicle information through unknown websites.
  • Report scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) and file a report with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission​. You do not need to report it to ODOT or DMV.
  • Block the number and delete the message.

If you clicked a link or gave out information

If you're unsure whether a message is real, contact ODOT at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or DMV at 503-945-5000. You can find more information about fraud prevention at oregondmv.com.

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Oregon DMV published this content on April 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 01, 2026 at 15:26 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]