Scam Alert: Fake DMV Texts Target Middlesex County Residents

Middlesex County officials are warning residents about a text message scam impersonating the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). The fraudulent messages, which resurfaced this fall after circulating statewide earlier this year, claim recipients owe payment for outstanding traffic tickets.

According to the NJMVC, the agency never sends text messages about driver’s licenses, registration status, or fines. The commission only contacts residents by text to confirm scheduled appointments.

Scammers have used URLs that include “ezpassnj” or “.gov” to appear legitimate. The texts instruct recipients to reply “Y” before reopening the message and clicking a fake link that redirects to a fraudulent website designed to steal personal or financial information.

Officials emphasized that New Jersey E-ZPass does not send unsolicited text messages to collect payments. Any legitimate payment notice from Credit Collection Services will include a phone number, file reference, and its verified website, ccspayment.com.

Residents are urged to block suspicious numbers, report the message as spam, and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). Those who believe they’ve fallen victim should contact local police and report the incident to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) or the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (cyber.nj.gov).

Key tips from the county:

• Don’t click links or reply to unsolicited messages.

• Visit official government websites directly.

• Never share sensitive information on unverified pages.

The county’s warning follows a statewide surge in “SMiShing” scams — a term for phishing attempts via text — that target residents’ personal and financial data.