Many Georgians received an unexpected text message early this week from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The text was supposed to be a warning that your license had been suspended, and you needed to click the link in order to take action. DDS is now urging citizens to be vigilant, as this is a scam attempting to steal your license information.
DDS Commissioner, Spencer R. Moore, wants Georgians the department would not request personal information via text. He also confirmed that the text going around Georgia is the work of scammers. In a press release Moore also had this to say:
“DDS employees do not contact customers to ask for personal or confidential information, such as driver’s license or Social Security numbers via email, text or telephone. Anyone who receives such a communication should consider it is a scam to steal your identity. Customers who are pending a license suspension or other changes in their license status are notified in writing by DDS. Anyone who receives these — or similar — text messages should not open or respond to them and instead delete such messages immediately.”
The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department also took the time out Tuesday to warn citizens not to fall for the fake text that circulated Tuesday morning. In a Facebook post they warn that the link will take you to a site that appears to be operated by DDS Georgia. The site collects usernames and passwords of those who attempt to enter the site.
Scammers nationwide use several phishing tactics in order to steal personal information and passwords from citizens. They do this by sending random links hoping someone will click and pass their information along. If you receive a link randomly through email, social media platform or text, it is best not to click the link. This may very well be a phishing email.
DDS encourages all customers to create an Online Services Account at www.dds.georgia.gov and utilize the free mobile app, DDS 2 GO, for an easy way to monitor your personal information. Anyone needing to change their password due to the recent phishing attempt can also do so by going to the DDS website or app.