DMV Scam Texts Target Coachella Valley Residents, Officials Warn

Authorities are warning Coachella Valley residents about a text message scam that’s been hitting phones across the area. Criminals are impersonating California DMV representatives in an attempt to steal personal information.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the agency will never ask for personal or financial information via text message.

NBC Palm Springs’ Kaitlin Kelley spoke with local residents who have already received the fraudulent texts.

“I got a scam text message telling me the DMV needs money for something I owe — which I don’t,” said Cathedral City resident Locke Reese. “It’s just an obvious scam.”

Reese noted that the message came from a suspicious number with a foreign country code. “It’s saying that you owe money for a pass-through ticket, and I don’t owe any money for pass-through tickets,” he added.

In addition to text messages, fake DMV ads are reportedly appearing on social media platforms, adding another layer to the scam.

Officials emphasize that if you receive one of these texts, do not open the link, do not reply, and delete the message immediately.

For verified DMV information, always visit the official California DMV website.

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