Is that DMV text about a traffic ticket real?
An audience member named Todd got a text saying he owed the California DMV $160 and his license was about to be suspended. One problem: he had not lived in California for over ten years.
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An audience member named Todd got a text saying he owed the California DMV $160 and his license was about to be suspended. One problem: he had not lived in California for over ten years. So he sent it to Kurt with a simple question: is this real?
What Kurt found hidden inside that one text reveals exactly how the scam works and the five red flags that give it away before you ever tap the link.
What you will learn in this episode
- How to spot the one detail in the phone number that proves the text is fake
- Why the real DMV will never contact you about a violation by text
- What actually happens in the 48 hours after you fill out that fake form
- The reason replying with a single letter makes everything worse
- How to verify a real DMV notice in under a minute, the safe way
- What to do the moment you realize you tapped a scam link
- How to block, report and scrub your info so the texts finally stop
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Episode 37: Is that DMV text about a traffic ticket real?
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CyberGuy protection takeaway
Text scams work because they create urgency and make you feel like you need to act immediately. The best protection is slowing down, verifying directly with the real agency and reducing how much personal information scammers can use to make their messages feel believable.
Protect your device
Strong antivirus software can help block malicious links, phishing pages and dangerous sites before they steal your information.
Reduce scammer exposure
A data removal service can help reduce how much of your personal information is exposed online for scammers to find and use in targeted texts.
Is your personal information exposed online?
Run a free scan to see if your personal info is compromised. Results arrive by email in about an hour.
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