The Miami-Dade tax collector is warning the public: don’t fall for text messages claiming to be from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
It’s a scam, officials say, and behind it are people trying to steal your money and information.
Here’s what to look out for.
The scam
Fake text messages have been circulating throughout the community falsely claiming to be from the FLHSMV regarding unpaid traffic citations, the office of the tax collector said in a news release.
The messages instruct recipients to click on a link or make a payment to resolve an alleged violation.
“These messages are scams and are not affiliated with the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office or the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles,” officials say.
MIAMI-DADE TAX COLLECTORMIAMI-DADE TAX COLLECTOR
The Miami-Dade tax collector is warning the public: don’t fall for text messages claiming to be from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
What to do if you receive the scam text
Residents are urged not to click on any links contained in the messages. Instead, delete the message immediately and report it as spam.
If you’re ever unsure about a message claiming to be from a government agency, contact the appropriate agency directly through its official website or phone number.
Reminder for residents
The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office and the FLHSMV do not send text messages requesting payment or asking residents to click on links for traffic violations.
“Our office is committed to protecting Miami-Dade residents from fraud and keeping the community informed,” said Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “If you receive one of these messages, do not engage with it. Always verify any official communication through trusted government sources.”