SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias issued another warning to Illinois residents about a surge in text-message scams impersonating the DMV and demanding payment and personal information.
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To raise public awareness, Giannoulias launched a statewide consumer protection campaign – Don’t Click. It’s a Trick – urging Illinoisans not to click on any links. Giannoulias emphasized that neither the Secretary of State’s office nor the DMV ever send text messages requesting payment or threatening penalties.
“Scammers are getting more sophisticated, more aggressive, and more convincing,” Giannoulias said. “They look official. They sound urgent. And they’re completely fake. These scams are designed to do one thing – create panic so people act without thinking. Bottom line: If you get a DMV text asking for money or threatening penalties — Don’t click. It’s a trick.”
Giannoulias’ office also created a new email to report the scam texts – scamalert@ilsos.gov. Illinoisans are encouraged to email the text message to the Secretary of State’s office, which is working with law enforcement to identify and take down the scammer websites.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Text:
Never click links in unsolicited DMV texts
Never send money or personal information
Report the message to scamalert@ilsos.gov
Delete the message immediately
The Secretary of State’s office only sends text messages to remind customers about scheduled DMV appointments. It does not send texts related to driver’s license status, vehicle registration issues or enforcement actions.
Alexi Giannoulias was sworn into office as Illinois’ 38th Secretary of State on January 9, 2023. In this capacity, he also serves as the State Librarian and State Archivist. Giannoulias is committed to transforming the office’s antiquated IT infrastructure to modernize operations and improve customer service for all Illinoisans.
