If you’ve received a text claiming to be from the Tennessee DMV with a “Final Notice” or threats like license suspension for unpaid tolls or traffic tickets—it’s almost certainly a scam.
🚩 Why It’s a Scam
Wrong name: Scammers often call themselves the “Tennessee Department of Vehicles” or similar — official law enforcement calls it “Department of Motor Vehicles.” That misnomer is a red flag.
Unsolicited text with threats: Real DMV agencies in Tennessee do not send texts threatening suspension over unpaid fines or tolls.
Fake sender addresses: Messages often originate from random email or phone numbers—not official “@tn.gov” domains or established short codes.
Smishing tactics: These types of SMS scams—commonly called “smishing”—use urgency to trick victims into clicking malicious links or revealing personal data.
📜 Official Warnings in Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security has confirmed: SafeTN and DMV will never send texts about toll fees or license suspensions.
Local police agencies in cities like Clarksville and Kingsport warn about messages claiming to be from a fake “Tennessee Department of Vehicles,” stating these are confirmed scams.
The Better Business Bureau (West TN) highlights how scammers impersonate the DMV in final notice messages and pressure people to act fast — all while using deceptive naming and language.
Also read : Tax Relief Group Scam Calls
🔐 Signs to Spot the Scam
| Indicator | Why It’s Suspicious |
|---|---|
| Urgent language like “Final Notice” | Creates panic and pressure to act quickly |
| Links to strange domains or shortened URLs | These aren’t recognized DMV URLs—likely phishing sites |
| Generic greetings without personal info | Real agencies usually reference your name or license number |
| Requests for immediate payment via text | Legitimate DMV notifications arrive via official mail or email |
✅ What To Do If You Receive One
DON’T respond, don’t click links, and never enter personal or payment info.
Block or report the message: Forward suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM) and delete them.
If you’re uncertain, contact the real DMV directly using official numbers on tn.gov. Don’t use the contact provided in the message.
If you’ve shared sensitive info: monitor accounts, notify your bank, and consider filing a report with the FTC or IC3.gov.
💬 What Others Are Saying
Reddit users and scam alert boards echo these warnings:
“I recommend not interacting with them… This is a scam.” — Reddit users on similar text scams
“If you ever get a text regarding an outstanding balance on anything, DO NOT CLICK THE LINK!” — Common advice from user comments
In summary:
It’s a phishing scam impersonating Tennessee DMV with urgent threats.
The real DMV does not communicate this way.
Stay safe: ignore, block, report, and verify with official sources only.
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