Don’t Get Hooked: How to Spot Scam Texts Like the Recent Ohio BMV Ticket Scam

In early June 2025, many Ohio residents received a suspicious text message claiming to be from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), warning them of an outstanding traffic ticket that needed immediate payment. The text included a link and a sense of urgency, hoping to trick people into clicking and submitting personal or financial information. Sadly, this is just one of many scam texts circulating in Ohio and beyond.

Scam text messages, or “smishing” (SMS phishing), are becoming more sophisticated, personalized, and dangerous. Understanding how to recognize and respond to these scams is crucial to protecting your information — especially here in Ohio, where scammers have recently targeted residents with fake BMV texts.

Common Signs of Scam Texts

While scammers are always finding new tricks, most scam texts share common warning signs:

• Unexpected message: You receive a text about something you weren’t expecting (like an Ohio traffic ticket you never got).
  
• Sense of urgency: The message pressures you to act immediately (“Pay now or face legal action!”).
  
• Suspicious links: The text includes a link that looks odd or unofficial.
  
• Generic greetings: Messages often start with “Dear customer” instead of your name.
  
• Requests for personal info: They ask for sensitive details like Social Security numbers, credit card info, or login credentials.
  
• Poor grammar or spelling: Many scam texts contain awkward language or typos.

Common Scam Texts That Impersonate Big Companies

Scammers often impersonate well-known companies to gain your trust. Here are some examples of scam texts Ohio residents should watch out for:

• Amazon: “Your Amazon account has been locked. Verify your account now: [Fake Link]”
  
• Apple/iCloud: “Your Apple ID has been suspended. Click here to unlock: [Fake Link]”
  
• Netflix: “There is an issue with your payment method. Update your info: [Fake Link]”
  
• PayPal: “Unusual activity detected on your PayPal account. Confirm immediately: [Fake Link]”
  
• Bank of America / Wells Fargo / Chase: “Suspicious transaction detected. Verify your account: [Fake Link]”
  
• USPS / FedEx / UPS: “Your package is on hold due to an incomplete address. Resolve here: [Fake Link]”
  
• Social Security Administration: “Your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Call now: [Fake Number]”
  
• IRS: “You owe back taxes. Pay immediately to avoid arrest: [Fake Link]”
  
• Facebook / Instagram: “Your account will be disabled due to policy violations. Appeal now: [Fake Link]”
  
• Google: “Suspicious sign-in attempt detected. Verify your identity: [Fake Link]”

Remember, these companies generally will not send unsolicited text messages asking for personal information or payment via a link.

The Psychology Behind Scam Texts

Scammers carefully craft their messages to trigger emotional reactions that make people act quickly without thinking. Here’s how they manipulate you:

• Fear: “Your account will be locked. Legal action pending.” Fear makes people respond urgently.
  
• Greed: “You’ve won a prize!” The lure of easy money lowers skepticism.
  
• Authority: Pretending to be government agencies or big companies gives the scam credibility.
  
• Urgency: “Act now or lose access!” Deadlines push people to react without verifying.
  
• Curiosity: Cryptic messages like “Important account update” make people curious enough to click.

Knowing these psychological tactics makes it easier to pause and recognize when you’re being manipulated.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Text

1. Do not click any links.
2. Do not reply to the message.
3. Take a screenshot for your records.
4. Report the scam:
   • Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
   • File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
   • Notify the Ohio Attorney General office.
5. Block the number: Most phones allow you to block senders easily.
6. Monitor your accounts: If you accidentally interacted with the message, watch for unusual activity on your financial accounts.

How to Stay Safe From Text Scams

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your important accounts.
• Keep your phone’s software updated.
• Use security apps that can help filter scam messages.
• Stay informed about the latest scam alerts from reputable sources like the FTC, BBB, and your state consumer protection office.

Remember: When in Doubt, Verify

If you ever receive a text that seems urgent or official but feels suspicious, take a moment to verify. Go directly to the official website of the agency or business in question, or call their official phone number. Don’t rely on any contact information provided in the suspicious text.

By staying alert and informed, Ohio residents can avoid falling victim to scams like the recent BMV traffic ticket text.

Stay safe, stay skeptical, and always double-check.