Don’t Click the Link: The Wisconsin DOT is NOT Giving You a Refund

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is the subject of a new text message scam.

The messages say you are owed a refund and contain a link to “verify” information. But clicking on the link will result in attempts to steal personal information or plant malware on your device.

DOT officials say the messages should be considered spam, and you shouldn’t interact with them. Instead, delete the message or report it as spam through your text message app/mobile service provider.

Another tell that the messages are scams is the first line, which claims to be from “Dept.of Vehicle.” Vehicle registrations in Wisconsin are handled by the Department of Transportation and Department of Motor Vehicles, there is no “Department of Vehicle.”

Drivers can stay up-to-date on vehicle registration and driver’s license renewal reminders through the DMV’s eNotify program. Information on how to sign up for eNotify can be found here.