Arkansans urged to be aware, avoid text message scams
Officials are issuing a warning to Arkansans about scam text messages going around trying to trick people out of their money.
ARKANSAS, USA — Recently, you might have found yourself reading a strange text message saying that you owe money to a state agency.
While that may seem alarming, officials say that it’s all part of a scam trying to trick Arkansans out of their money.
“Last week, we had hundreds and hundreds of calls coming into our offices asking, do I owe you money? Are you going to take away my driving privileges? What is this about,” explained Scott Hardin, the spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
Hardin explained how these text scam messages have flooded cell phones across the state.
Many people have shared their frustrations about the messages, sharing how in the past month, they’ve received nearly half a dozen scam texts.
Meanwhile, others have shared how they normally receive scam texts about packages, and figured these were also fraudulent messages.
“I think it’s safe to say hundreds and hundreds of thousands of Arkansans received this, if not a million plus. Because I’ve spoken to just over the course of the last three or four days, 30 or 40 people, and I’d say five or six of those didn’t get the text,” described Hardin.
The scam texts typically claim that you owe money to a department called “The Arkansas Vehicle Administration DMV.”
However, that is not a real agency.
The messages then proceed to state a list of consequences and have a link to pay. You’re advised not to click on the link.
“The Arkansas Vehicle Administration does not exist. It mentions Arkansas toll roads. Obviously, we don’t have toll roads,” Hardin explained.
There are even different forms of the message, all with the same goal in mind — to get your money.
“Once they get a hold of that, you know they can, and especially if you provide any of that sensitive bank account information, they are going to clean you out all right,” said Lieutenant Quinton Jackson, with the Benton Police Department.
Lieutenant Jackson explained how the key to avoiding these scams is to stay aware.
“You look at the top number, it’s from a foreign country, it’s not legit. I mean, they rework it every so often, and they sometimes get a little better about fooling people, but you’ve got to stay vigilant,” he added.
So, before you click, make sure you stop and think. It could save you a headache and your pockets.
“Don’t click that link. Let’s keep Arkansans safe. Let’s do it together. Make sure your friends, family, and elderly family members are aware of it, and let’s not give them [a dollar] of our money,” Hardin said.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to the scam messages, officials said you should contact your local authorities immediately.