The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has issued a warning to residents about a scam that falsely claims that the state DMV is offering drivers rebates amid high gas prices.

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According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, this particular phishing scam is sent by way of text messages which claim that the state is offering a rebate of $1,500 as a way to offset high gas prices.

Drivers who receive the text are encouraged to click on a provided link which then takes them to what appears to be the Department of Motor Vehicles website where they are then prompted to share personal information.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
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Sharing personal information through the erroneous website then gives hackers the data needed to commit identity theft or install malware on the user’s device which could harm their computer or mobile device.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
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In a press release, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “We want New Yorkers to be aware that these scams are out there, and we urge them to be vigilant if they receive any text message or email that seems suspicious.”

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles says that it does not send text messages to residents requesting personal information and should a resident receive such a text, they should be on alert that it is quite likely a scam.

If you have received a text message claiming to be from the New State Department of Motor Vehicles and are not sure if it is legitimate, you are encouraged to reach out to the agency by mail at dmv.sm.phishingattacks@dmv.ny.gov.

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