Local law enforcement warns of toll text message scam

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — There are several law enforcement agencies here in the Midlands warning people to be aware of a scam you coming straight to your cell phone as a text message.

It looks authentic, complete with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles logo and a message warning drivers that this is “a final notice” for you to take care of money owed after running a toll no later than June 5, 2025. The text goes on to tell those receiving it they only have until June 4, 2025 to pay the bill. If not, the scammer says they will do several things including report the infraction to the DMV violation database, suspend your vehicle registration and driving privileges.

If you have received a message on your phone similar to this several agencies want you to know it is not from the DMV, and is in fact a scam. Authorities say the Department of Motor Vehicles will never contact you through a text message, and will never demand payment, and or threaten penalties in this manner.

Officials urge you not to click on the message, do not respond, and most importantly never give out your personal information. Instead, agencies ask those who get this text message to delete it immediately and block the person who sent it to you.