ST. PAUL — The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is alerting Minnesotans to beware of fake messages claiming to be from the “Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DPSMN” and requesting payment. These widespread messages are creating alarm among residents by making false claims and requesting payment for false traffic tickets and threatening action if the recipient doesn’t pay.

Some Minnesotans report receiving multiple messages in a row, each one increasing in threatening language to pressure them into paying.

DPS urges residents not to open any links requesting payment in a text message to avoid personal information being stolen. DPS and its Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division will never send texts about outstanding traffic tickets and will never request payment through a text.

Here are steps residents can take to protect themselves if they receive suspicious messages:

• Do not respond to the message or click any links. DPS and DVS will never ask for your information or money by text.
• Do not give money or personal information.
• If you think the message might be real, contact DVS through our website at drive.mn.gov.
• Report the message as junk or spam and delete it. 

“These messages are not only fraudulent — they’re frightening,” said DVS Director Pong Xiong. “We understand how upsetting it can be to receive multiple threatening messages demanding payment. If you’re unsure, please reach out to us directly. We’re here to help protect your information and your peace of mind.”

If you received one of these messages and fell victim to the scam, file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov/

Consumers reported losing $470 million last year to scams that started with text messages, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Those numbers have skyrocketed in recent years, with losses five times greater in 2024 than they were in 2020.

About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.