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Hawaii Police Warn of DMV Scam Text Messages
Fraudsters posing as DMV representatives demand immediate payment of fines to avoid penalties
Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:05am
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The Hawaii Police Department is warning residents about a text message scam where fraudsters are posing as representatives from the Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles. The scam messages claim the recipient has an outstanding traffic fine that must be paid immediately to avoid penalties like license suspension and legal action.
Why it matters
This scam is targeting Hawaii residents and attempting to steal their personal and financial information. It's important for the public to be aware of these types of deceptive practices in order to protect themselves.
The details
The scam text messages typically state the recipient has an 'unpaid fine' and must pay immediately to avoid a 30-day license suspension, 35% surcharge, and possible legal proceedings. The messages often include a link directing people to a website requesting payment or personal details. However, these messages are fraudulent - there is no 'Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicles' and the state/county do not send text messages about unpaid fines or license suspensions.
- The Hawaii Police Department received multiple reports of this scam in both Hilo and Kona this week.
The players
Hawaii Police Department
The state law enforcement agency that is warning the public about this DMV scam text message.
Hawaii Department of Transportation
The agency that recommends steps for anyone who has fallen victim to the scam, such as scanning for malware and changing passwords.
What’s next
The Hawaii Police Department advises residents to not click on any links in suspicious text messages, not provide personal or financial information, and to report any scams to the Federal Trade Commission.
The takeaway
This scam highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any unexpected communication, especially those claiming to be from government agencies. Residents should remain vigilant and not fall victim to these types of deceptive practices aimed at stealing personal information.
