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Scams surge as public is inundated with phony texts demanding cash

Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5:50 PM

By Staff report

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued another warning to Illinois motorists about a surge in text‑message scams impersonating the DMV and demanding payment and personal information.

To raise public awareness, Giannoulias launched a statewide consumer protection campaign – Don’t Click, It’s a Trick – urging Illinoisans not to click on any links. Giannoulias emphasized that neither ;the Secretary of State’s office nor the DMV ever send text messages requesting payment or threatening penalties.

“Scammers are getting more sophisticated, more aggressive, and more convincing,” Giannoulias said. “They look official. They sound urgent. And they’re completely fake. These scams are designed to do one thing – create panic so people act without thinking. Bottom line: If you get a DMV text asking for money or threatening penalties — Don’t click. It’s a trick.”

Giannoulias’ office also created a new email to report the scam texts – scamalert@ilsos.gov. Illinoisans are encouraged to screenshot the text and email to the Secretary of State’s office, which is working with law enforcement to identify and take down the scammer websites.

What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Text:

  • Never click links in unsolicited DMV texts

  • Never send money or personal information

  • Report the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov

  • Delete the message immediately

The Secretary of State’s office only sends text messages to remind customers about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send texts related to driver’s license status, vehicle registration issues, or enforcement actions.

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