Fake New York State DMV Emails Link to Malware

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warning consumers to watch for fake traffic violation emails that link to malware websites.

The emails claim that you have several outstanding traffic violations and must click a link to either make payment arrangements or refute the supposed tickets.

A June 6, 2017, DVM Press Release notes :

The fake emails pretend to be from DMV, and report that the State Police has advised DMV that the recipient has several outstanding traffic violations. It then provides two links to either plead guilty or to refute the tickets. The links direct unsuspecting users to a malicious download that may expose your computer to a virus. If you receive one of these emails, delete the email immediately. Do not click on any links in the email and do not forward the email.

“The Department of Motor Vehicles does not send emails urging motorists to pay traffic tickets within 48 hours or lose your license,” said Terri Egan, DMV Deputy Executive Commissioner. “It is unfortunate that people use our agency’s name to target innocent consumers. We urge New Yorkers to always remain cautious about opening email attachments or following links, even if they appear to come from legitimate agencies.”

Note that criminals regularly use fake traffic ticket emails to trick people into installing malware. Similar traffic violation emails have targetted users in Australia, the UK, the US, and many other locations. Be wary of any unsolicited emails that claim to be from the police or a government agency that demand that you click a link to pay a supposed traffic fine or download information about a supposed driving infringement. Some versions include the malware payload in an attached file.