PSA: Beware of Deceptive and Mimic Websites - Representative Joe McGonagle

PSA: Beware of Deceptive and Mimic Websites

RMV Cautions Public to Beware of Deceptive
and Mimic Websites
 
Customers should only use Mass.Gov/RMV
for online RMV Services

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is reminding customers to use only Mass.Gov/RMV for information and to perform transactions, including when renewing a license or a registration.

  • There has been no sharp increase in reports of deceptive and mimic websites to the RMV. As a busy time of year for customer transactions, the RMV is issuing this reminder to the public about sites which have been created to mislead customers into thinking they have reached the official RMV website.

A Message from Registrar Colleen Ogilvie


We urge everyone to be vigilant when performing transactions or providing information online for RMV-related services. Customers should avoid using any unofficial third-party websites claiming to assist with RMV services, and inform their relatives and friends about this as well,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.

On our official website Mass.Gov/RMV, customers can look up how much specific services cost and see which services are available to them at no charge.”  
 
To ensure you are accessing the official RMV site, please remember the following:

  • In Massachusetts, we use the term “Registry of Motor Vehicles” and “RMV.”
    • Please log-off if the site references the “DMV” or the “Department of Motor Vehicles.”
  • At Mass.Gov/RMV:
    • You will never be charged to check your license, registration or title status.
    • You will never be charged to access Registry forms and information.
    • You will never be charged to change your address on file.

The RMV actively posts online about this topic including on X @MassRMV, and a warning regarding third party websites remains featured in the RMV’s Driver’s Manual
 

Report a Fraudulent Website


Reports of fraudulent websites can be directed to the Attorney General’s Office at http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/consumer-assistance/consumer-complaint.html and the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/.
 
Customers should beware of text messages or emails which claim to be from MassDOT or the RMV, as these communications often are dangerous phishing scams and not official MassDOT and RMV sources.

  • These fraudulent texts and emails may include links, which do not lead to official MassDOT or RMV websites, and customers should not follow the links nor reply to these messages with personal information. 

Customers with additional questions about how to identify and avoid scams can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by calling the Consumer Hotline at (617) 973-8787, or toll-free in Massachusetts at (888) 283-3757.


Stay Connected!

  • For the latest RMV updates and information, follow the RMV on X @MassRMV
  • For the latest MassDOT news and information, including RMV updates, follow MassDOT on X @MassDOTFacebook, and Instagram.   

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  • Narlie Monteiro
    published this page in Events & Updates 2024-04-04 10:13:27 -0400
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