For Immediate Release
June 5, 2025
Media Contact: Damon Sidur
[email protected]
BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador issued a warning today about text scams targeting Idaho residents with fake DMV notices claiming unpaid traffic tickets will result in license suspension or legal penalties.
“Scammers stole over $63 million from Idahoans last year, predominantly targeting our seniors,” said Attorney General Labrador. “These scammers are now using fake DMV texts to steal even more. Idaho families need to know that legitimate government agencies never demand payments through text messages.”
The fraudulent texts claim to be from the Idaho DMV and threaten immediate license suspension unless payment is made through suspicious links. Law enforcement agencies across Idaho confirm they never send text messages demanding payments or threatening penalties for unpaid violations, tolls, or missed jury duty.
Idahoans should watch for red flags including urgent payment demands, threats of arrest or license suspension, suspicious website links designed to look official, and requests for payment through gift cards. According to the 2024 FBI Internet Crime Report, seniors were disproportionately targeted by these schemes nationwide. The report also found that Idaho residents filed 3,081 complaints, resulting in $63,035,342 in total losses from cyber-enabled crimes and fraud.Idahoans who receive suspicious texts should report them to the Federal Trade Commission and delete the message without clicking any links or providing personal information.
About Raúl Labrador
Raúl Labrador is the 33rd Attorney General of Idaho. The Office of the Attorney General provides legal representation for the State of Idaho. This representation is furnished to state agencies, offices and boards in the furtherance of the state's legal interests. The office is part of state government’s executive branch and its duties are laid out in the Idaho Constitution.
