Wisconsin DMV Launches Scam Awareness Website Amid Surge in Fraudulent Messages
WISCONSIN — A new website launched by the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles is aiming to protect residents from an alarming rise in scams targeting drivers and vehicle owners.
The state’s DMV has reported a wave of fraudulent emails and text messages impersonating official channels — urging residents to send money, click malicious links, or share personal information under false pretenses. These scam messages often pose as the DMV, but are actually phishing attempts from unknown actors.
Scam Messages on the Rise Across Wisconsin
DMV officials say the uptick in scam activity follows similar fraud waves in other states. Now, Wisconsin is seeing fake messages claiming to be from the “Department of Motor Vehicles” — a generic term used to trick residents — rather than the actual Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles.
Tine Braddy, director of the DMV’s Bureau of Driver Services, noted the scams are particularly deceptive. “We had heard about these scams happening in other states before Wisconsin had been targeted,” she told WTMJ.
Some of the tactics used by scammers include:
- Demands for urgent payment
- Malicious embedded links
- Requests for personal data
- Messages falsely identifying as the DMV
New DMV Website Offers Education and Prevention
To help residents fight back, the DMV has created a new resource at wisconsindmv.gov/scams. The site provides detailed information on:
- How to identify scams
- Examples of recent phishing messages
- Screenshots of fraudulent messages
- Step-by-step guidance if you’ve been targeted
“The biggest advantage with this website is just having the screenshots,” Braddy explained. “If somebody receives one, they can compare it to what’s posted and know right away it’s a scam.”
Tips to Stay Safe From DMV-Related Scams
The DMV also issued a list of practical tips to help residents avoid falling victim:
- Sign up for eNotify at wisconsindmv.gov/enotify to receive official transaction alerts and detect suspicious activity.
- Start all DMV services at the official website, wisconsindmv.gov, instead of through links in messages.
- Always check the sender’s URL. If the site doesn’t end in “.gov,” it’s likely a fake.
- Never trust payment demands sent via text — Wisconsin DMV will never request money through text messaging.
A reminder also came from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, who shared more tips and scam alerts via their official X (Twitter) page.
Have you received a suspicious DMV message recently? Share your experience or help spread the word about this new tool to protect neighbors across Wisconsin. Stay updated on local safety alerts and community news at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
