Minnesota DPS Warning Of New Scam That Uses Intimidation Tactics

Raise your hand if you're sick of scams! It seems that city officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin have to warn residents of new scams daily. However, it's a good thing they do or more people could find their personal information and even money stolen.

Recently, there was already a scam reported in Minnesota where criminals, posing as city officials, were targeting residents filling out planning applications to tell them they needed to pay additional fees using a wire transfer. Of course, they didn't owe that money, and if they fell for the scam, their money would be gone.

Then, earlier this week, another scam was reported in Minnesota involving criminals posing as employees from a local car dealership called Truax Auto Sales to scam people.

Now, another scam warning has been issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety involving intimidating text messages that people have been receiving throughout the state.

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Minnesota Department Of Public Safety Issues New Scam Warning

Among the tricks up a scammer's sleeve is creating a sense of urgency through fear tactics. They often do this by threatening their victim to believe that if they don't act quickly and do what they're told, they will suffer serious consequences, such as additional fines and even being arrested.

That is the tone of the scam that Minnesota officials warned residents about through a recent social media post. Text messages are being sent demanding payment for alleged outstanding traffic tickets.

They also threaten license suspension or other legal action if payment isn't made. The texts will include legal verbiage and a hard deadline to make payment or suffer the consequences.

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They then provide instructions on how these alleged fees can be paid, including links to websites that look official but are fake. This text and any instructions or links provided are designed to steal your personal information.

What To Do If You Receive One Of These Texts

These texts claim to be from the "Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DPSMN", which is your first warning sign, as that isn't even the name for the agency. Minnesota's official name for this agency is Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

Also, remember that neither the DVS nor the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles will send a text asking for payment.

If you do receive this text, like I did, here is what officials recommend:

• Do not respond to the message or click any links. This will prevent you from potentially giving away your personal information.
• Do not send any money. The DVS will never ask for payment via text.
• Delete the message. If you think the message might be real, contact the DVS through their website, drive.mn.gov.
• Report the message as spam or junk. This helps to flag the message and potentially prevent it from being sent to others.

Anyone who has given out personal information or money to a scammer should contact their bank and report the incident to law enforcement.

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