Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that has the potential to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees.
In the latest version of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions. The OMV recommends that customers ignore and delete such messages.
The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:
•DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source
•DO NOT respond or send your personal information via text
•Delete all suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov
•Exercise caution with all communications you receive from anonymous sources
•Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source
•Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)
The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at www.expresslane.org.
Another version of this scam claims that the recipient has an unpaid toll for a bridge or toll highway. It’s a scam -- don’t fall for it. Bridge and highway toll collectors don’t send out text message collection notifications.
In yet another online scam on the internet, fraudsters are attempting to obtain Medicare numbers and other personal information.
It's important to know the signs of a Medicare scam so you can protect yourself. To get your personal information, like your Medicare number, scammers may call, text and email saying things like:
"You need to activate or renew your Medicare card."
"We'd like to send you a free genetic testing kit."
"Medicare has authorized us to send you a free (knee, back or elbow) brace."
"You qualify for a refund on your Medicare costs."
Remember, never give your Medicare card or number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.
Protect Yourself From Fraud.
Keep in mind: Caller IDs and email addresses can be faked, so if you're not sure who's calling, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Cyber security experts are also encouraging people to NEVER respond in any form to suspicious text messages or emails --- simply delete them.
Some people think they need to respond to fraudsters with messages such as “Ha Ha” or “Take a hike, jerk,” or something similar.
In fact, some fraudsters love it when people respond, because it is evidence that they've hit a working cell number or email address.
Once any sort of response is received, even an angry one, it proves that the number or address is “live” and it can be either sold or stored in a data base for future inappropriate purposes.
By immediately deleting suspicious text messages and emails, you are not giving the fraudster any indication that it was ever received and read. Do not respond.
