You’re referring to the FLHSMV text scam, which is a phishing campaign impersonating the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Here’s what you need to know:
What’s Going On?
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming you owe unpaid tolls or traffic tickets—threatening license suspension, legal action, or credit damage if you don’t pay immediately via a link. These texts often mimic official FLHSMV communications to appear authentic.
Messages typically read along the lines of:
“FLHSMV NOTICE: Your vehicle registration has been suspended due to unpaid toll fees of $11.25. Click here to pay now and avoid license suspension.”
These messages may even use domain names that seem legitimate but are fake and designed to steal your personal or payment information.
Official Warnings
FLHSMV has explicitly stated that it will never demand payments via text messages or threaten license suspension, arrest, or financial penalties in that format.
County Tax Collector Offices (e.g., Miami‑Dade, Seminole, Polk) are also issuing scam alerts, urging residents to delete any suspicious texts and avoid interacting with them.
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Broader Alert & Impact
This isn’t isolated to Florida—DMV or toll-related text scams have spread across multiple states, including New York, Illinois, California, and more. The messages are increasingly sophisticated, often bypassing grammar errors to seem more credible.
The FBI warns that these texts are designed to steal sensitive information through fear tactics and fake links.
How to Protect Yourself
Do not click any links or reply to the message.
Do not share personal or financial details like SSN, account numbers, or license info.
Forward the text to “7726” (SPAM) to help your phone carrier block future messages.
Report the text:
to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
to your State Attorney General’s office via MyFloridaLegal.com
to FLHSMV directly at
fraud@flhsmv.gov
Verify any real issues directly on official platforms—like FLHSMV’s website (
flhsmv.gov) or SunPass account portal.
Community Reactions (Reddit)
Many Florida residents have recognized these messages as phony:
“Legitimate messages from SunPass will always come from customerservice@sunpass.com or noreply@sunpass.com… I’ve never received any other texts from SunPass.”Reddit
“It’s a scam. If you have any unpaid SunPass tolls they’ll send you the invoice in the mail.”Reddit
Key tips from users:
Text messages often arrive as group texts, which official agencies never send.
Vendor authenticity is often exposed by inconsistent sender numbers (e.g., international codes).
Quick Summary Table
| What to Watch For | Official Policy | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Text demanding payment via link | FLHSMV and SunPass never text payment requests | Delete the message, do not click anything |
| Fake urgency or legal threats | Communications come through mail or official site only | Verify via FLHSMV.gov or SunPass.com directly |
| Suspicious or spoofed sender details | Messages use proper state domains and contact info | Report to 7726 (SPAM), FTC, Attorney General |
Final Words
These FLHSMV impersonation texts are the latest in a growing wave of DMV-style phishing scams. No official state motor vehicle agency in Florida—or any other state—will ask for payments via text. Protect yourself by staying vigilant, verifying directly through official channels, and reporting suspicious messages when you encounter them.
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