WYDOT Warns Wyoming Drivers About Text Message Phishing Scam
Written by Andrew-Rossi on July 20, 2021
W.Y.D.O.T. has a different driver safety message for Wyoming drivers – if you get a text about “license waiver validation,” it’s not legit.
A new phishing scam has appeared in Wyoming. This time, scammers are convincingly mimicking W.Y.D.O.T. to get money from drivers.
Drivers across the state are receiving a text message from scammers, which appears to be coming from W.Y.D.O.T. These text messages give a final notice about a “license waiver validation” and include a link to a third-party website to “avert a suspension.” Additionally, some drivers report receiving reminder texts with looming deadlines from the same source.
The link leads to a website been designed to look like an official W.Y.D.O.T. website. That scam site will ask visitors to submit their personal information to avoid the threat of suspension.
While W.Y.D.O.T. does collect personal information, it will not seek or use it in this way.
In an official statement sent yesterday, W.Y.D.O.T. warns Wyoming residents of this scam.
“W.Y.D.O.T. is not and will not send text messages of that nature and does not seek personal information in this manner. If you receive a text message like this one, avoid opening the link and giving personal information. “
Phone scams are nothing new in Wyoming – over the past few years, several scams have attempted to use phone calls and texts to mimic agencies looking for payments to avoid consequences.
In November 2020, Park County residents reported getting calls from someone posing as a Park County Sheriff’s deputy. That caller told victims they had a warrant for their arrest that could be removed for payment in cash or gift cards. The scammer even used the Park County Sheriff’s actual phone number.
Earlier, in July 2020, scammers attempted to get personal information over the phone under the guise of COVID-19 contact tracing. Those scammers asked personal questions to get information real contact tracers would never ask for, including social security and bank account numbers.
If you have questions or concerns about your driver’s license, call your local Driver Services office directly for accurate information. W.Y.D.O.T.’s only Driver Services website is http://www.dot.state.wy.us/driverservices
