A new wave of phishing texts is hitting South Carolina, and it’s catching many off guard. The “SCDMV toll scam” is a fast-spreading fraud campaign that impersonates the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and uses scare tactics to steal money or personal data.
What Is the SCDMV Toll Scam?
Scammers are sending text messages that appear to come from the SCDMV. These messages claim the recipient has unpaid traffic or toll violations and face urgent legal consequences if they don’t pay immediately.
Here’s how the scam works:
- Texts falsely claim there are unpaid tolls or traffic tickets.
- They cite fake legal codes (like “South Carolina Administrative Code 15C-16.003”) to appear legitimate.
- Recipients are threatened with penalties such as:
- Suspension of vehicle registration
- DMV reporting and license suspension
- Transfer to collections with added fees
- Even legal prosecution
- The texts include a link that mimics the official SCDMV website (e.g., scdmvonline.com) but redirects to a fraudulent payment site.
The goal: Get you to click and pay a fake fine—or worse, hand over personal or financial information.
What the Scam Messages Look Like
People across the state have reported receiving messages that closely mimic government language and formatting. The messages are often designed to create panic and urgency, warning that the issue must be resolved within 24 hours or penalties will follow.
These scams have surfaced before in other states, including New Jersey, and the tactics remain nearly identical. The reuse of this format suggests that the scam is part of a larger, coordinated campaign likely to spread to other states.
How the Scam Is Spreading
The rise in scam activity can be seen in public data. According to Google Trends, the term “SCDMV toll scam” surged between June 8 and June 9, 2025, showing two major spikes. This pattern indicates mass text message blasts in at least two waves, targeting thousands of people.
This particular scam has been seen in other states include New York.
Who’s Most at Risk of this Scam?
While these messages go out to a broad audience, certain groups are more vulnerable:
- Older adults who may not be familiar with digital fraud tactics
- New drivers or recent residents unfamiliar with how the SCDMV or toll systems work
- Anyone under financial stress, who might panic and rush to pay a fake fine to avoid legal trouble
What To Do If You Receive One
If you receive one of these messages:
🚫 Do not click on any links.
🚫 Do not respond.
✅ Report it to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
✅ Delete the message immediately.
How to Pay Real Toll Fines in South Carolina
It’s important to note:
- SCDMV does not collect toll fines.
- For real toll charges, use the official website of the toll agency (such as Palmetto Pass or another local authority).
- If in doubt, visit the official SCDMV site directly—never trust links sent via text.
Bottom Line
The SCDMV toll scam is another example of phishing campaigns that prey on fear and confusion. By staying alert and knowing how the DMV and toll systems actually operate, you can avoid falling for these types of attacks.
If you or someone you know receives a suspicious message, don’t panic—report it, delete it, and move on.
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