🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake DMV Text Messages Target New Yorkers with Phony Traffic Ticket Threats 🚨

In the past hour I have received several inquiries about the following so:

If you’ve recently received a text message that looks something like this:

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 23.

Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket. In accordance with New York State Administrative Code 15C-16.003, if you do not complete payment by May 22, 2025, we will take the following actions:

1. Report to the DMV violation database

2. Suspend your vehicle registration starting May 23

3. Suspend driving privileges for 30 days

4. Transfer to a toll booth and charge a 35% service fee

5. You may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected

Pay Now:

https://nydmv.gov-paylab.win/us

Please pay immediately before enforcement to avoid license suspension and further legal disputes.

(Reply Y and re-open this message to click the link, or copy it to your browser.)

ew York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Final Notice: Enforcement Penalties Begin on May 23. Our records show that as of today, you still have an outstanding traffic ticket... Pay Now

DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT CLICK. THIS IS A SCAM.

⚠️ How the Scam Works:

These fraudulent messages are crafted to look like official DMV communications. They use fear tactics—mentioning things like license suspension, fines, and even credit score damage—to push you into clicking a suspicious link or responding.

The message may claim:

• You have an "outstanding traffic ticket"

• Your license or registration will be suspended

• You'll be fined or prosecuted

• A 35% "toll booth" fee will be charged

• You must pay immediately to avoid penalties

It ends with a link that has nothing to do with the real DMV website and tries to trick you into entering sensitive information or making a fraudulent payment.

🚨 Red Flags in This Scam Message:

1. Fake URL
   The link usually looks like a government site but is a scam domain (e.g., gov-paylab.win). The real New York DMV site is:
   👉 https://dmv.ny.gov

2. Bogus Legal Citations
   There is no such thing as “Administrative Code 15C-16.003.”

3. Fear-Based Language
   Scammers pressure you to act immediately by threatening license suspension, legal trouble, or credit score impact.

4. Grammar and Format Issues
   Real DMV messages don’t include odd wording like “transfer to a toll booth.”

5. Requests for Payment via Link in a Text
   The DMV will never ask you to pay via a random link sent through text. Any legitimate payment should only be made through https://dmv.ny.gov.

✅ What You Should Do:

• Do not click the link.

• Do not reply.

• Delete the message.

• Report the scam to the FTC: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov

• If you're unsure whether a ticket is real, contact the court listed on the ticket you received or check directly with the DMV at https://dmv.ny.gov

💡 Pro Tip:

If you’ve received an actual traffic ticket and want to fight it or don’t understand the process, it’s best to consult with a traffic lawyer. Scammers are counting on confusion and fear. A real attorney will give you the facts—and protect your license the right way.

If you’re ever in doubt about a suspicious traffic-related message, call a trusted professional. As a New York traffic attorney, I help clients every day deal with real tickets—and steer clear of fake ones.

Stay alert. Stay informed. And never click blindly.

—

Michael E. Beer, Esq.
Traffic & License Defense Attorney
📍 Serving New York City & Long Island & New York State
5TOWNSTRAFFIC.COM