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North Dakota Department of Revenue | Fraudulent Text Messages

The North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner has issued public warnings about fraudulent text messages impersonating the department.

These scam texts are a form of phishing designed to trick taxpayers into revealing personal and financial information.

Citizens who have received what they feel may be a fraudulent email or text may reach out to the office’s customer support staff at taxinfo@nd.gov or call 701-328-7088 with any questions or concerns.

Here’s what you need to know about recent fraudulent text message scams targeting North Dakotans—especially those impersonating government agencies like the North Dakota Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, or Department of Motor Vehicles:

Text Message Scams to Watch Out For

1. Fake Toll Fee Texts

Scammers have been sending messages claiming you owe “toll fees” and urging you to click a link or pay immediately. But North Dakota has no toll roads—so any such message is automatically fraudulent. Officials advise you to delete the message, report it as spam, and do not reply.

Local reaction:

“Don’t reply to messages like this, just report and delete.”
“Block and report spam.”

2. Scam Texts Claiming Fines and License Suspension

In the Fargo–Moorhead region, phishing texts have surfaced that impersonate the Department of Motor Vehicles or DOT. These messages warn of fines or potential license suspension and include a link to a fake website designed to steal your credit card info.

  • Official Warning:

    • The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and NDDOT confirm these are scams

    • The NDDOT states they never send text alerts about fines or violations; these communications would always come by mailed letter on official letterhead.

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3. Urgent Threatening Messages

While not specific to North Dakota’s Department of Revenue, scammers often use urgent or threatening language (like impending arrest or frozen assets) to pressure victims—known as the “Threatening Message Scam.” It’s a widespread tactic and should be treated with skepticism and ignored.

What To Do (and Not To Do)

Do This Don’t Do This
Delete suspicious texts promptly Don’t click on links or call any number provided
Report the message as spam Don’t reply—even with “STOP” or curses
Trust official communications only via mail or verified channels Don’t assume legitimate Caller ID—they can spoof numbers
Inform others—especially seniors—about these tactics Don’t send gift cards or money to anyone demanding payment

Real Stories from Locals

Reddit users shared:

“Don’t reply to messages like this, just report and delete. When you reply, your number is flagged as active.”
“Block and report spam.”

Their experiences highlight a practical tip: ignore, delete, block, report—and don’t engage.

Final Takeaway

  • Any text demanding payment for tolls or government fines in North Dakota is a scam.

  • Government agencies like NDDOT or ND Motor Vehicles do not text about violations. Such notifications, if valid, come through mail.

  • Threatening language or urgent demands—especially asking for gifts cards, bank info, or payment via text—are red flags.

  • Report, delete, block. Protect your data and spread the word.