The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) is alerting Montanans to a wave of fraudulent text messages impersonating the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in an attempt to steal personal information and money.
Scammers are sending urgent text messages that falsely claim recipients owe fines or traffic tickets and must pay immediately to avoid penalties. In some cases, the messages include threats of increased fees or suspension of vehicle registration if payment isn’t made quickly.
“These messages are not from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division,” said a spokesperson for the OCP. “MVD does not send text messages requesting payment for unpaid tickets, tolls, or fines.”
Common Red Flags in Scam Messages
The fraudulent texts often display international phone numbers — such as those beginning with a +63 country code — and include unofficial or incorrect department names. Other red flags include:
- Poor grammar or misspelled words
- Threats of immediate action
- Embedded links directing to fake payment portals
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid falling victim to this scam, the OCP recommends Montanans take the following precautions:
- Verify the source: Contact MVD directly at (406) 444-3933 or visit mvdmt.gov for official information.
- Do not click on suspicious links: Never open links in unsolicited text messages from unknown numbers.
- Stay alert: Look out for unfamiliar area codes, generic greetings, or messages with scare tactics demanding immediate payment.
- Report scams: Forward suspicious messages to local law enforcement or the Montana Office of Consumer Protection.
How to Report
Montanans who receive suspicious phone calls, texts, emails, or mail should report them to the Montana DOJ’s Office of Consumer Protection at:
- Email: contactocp@mt.gov
- Phone: (406) 444-4500 or toll-free at (800) 481-6896
- Online: https://dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection/
“Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but with awareness and vigilance, we can protect ourselves and our communities,” the OCP stated.
By: DNU staff