Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 25, 2025 DON’T GET SMISHED! RMV chief warns residents against new text scam Fraudulent text messages tell drivers to pay phony traffic tickets, other bills By Steve Freker Don’t get “smished”! Cybercriminals are relentless and the public is being urged to be aware of a new scam unfolding on your personal cellphone. Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles chief Colleen Oglivie on Tuesday warned Massachusetts residents about a new, massive scam involving fraudulent text messages sent to cellphones requesting payments and personal financial information. A text message purporting to be from the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is being used 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! Don’t get “smished” by a fraudulent text message asking for a money transfer or any other solicitation of private and/or personal information. (Courtesy graphic) to scam residents, officials said. This is a scam, according to Oglivie, who serves as Mass. Registrar of Motor Vehicles. “Be vigilant if you receive this kind of text message and never click on any links included,” Oglivie warned. “The RMV or DOT will never text anyone seeking any type of payment.” Mass. state officials also warned residents to never share or provide personal financial information, such as credit card or bank account numbers or PINs. The latest version of the phowww.810bargrille.com Aluminum Aluminum Everett Everett Supplies Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding Decks • •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Free Estimates • • Replacement Windows • Carpentry Work • Roong • Fully Insured• Fully Insured Fully Insured Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com • Replacement Windows •Roong Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum Supplies Aluminum ny text messages appears to be a “final notice” from MassDOT that tells people they have an outstanding traffic ticket and threatens to suspend their registration and driving privileges if they don’t submit payment by a certain date. The fake messages are what’s known as S ta t e officials w arn Massachusetts residents that the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and Registry of Motor Vehicles will NEVER text or email looking for payment of an outstanding bill with a text message. “smishing,” a scam in which cybercriminals use texts in an attempt to trick people into providing personal information or sending money to them. A previous, widespread “smishing” scam used texts claiming to be from “E-ZPass Toll Services,” instructing drivers to pay outstanding toll balances. Here are some tips and advice for residents seeking to avoid Here is a copy of the fraudulent message appearing in people’s text messages across the state. becoming a victim of the ongoing scams. How to Protect Yourself • Be wary of unsolicited messages: Don’t click on links or call numbers from unknown senders. • Verify the sender: If you’re unsure about a message, contact the company or service directly through their official website or RMV | SEE PAGE 8 Summer is Here!
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