March 10th, 2026
Area Law Enforcement has received reports of a text scam that indicates you may have unpaid fines or citations from the “Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles”. The text includes an internet link that appears to be from an Idaho Government web address (i.e. “idaho.org” and “bond/dmv”) that is NOT affiliated with the Idaho Transportation Department or any government site. DO NOT click on this link or ANY link contained in a suspicious text.
Let’s break down this particular scam text:
1st red flag: the number this text comes from is “+63 910 829 5141” – “unknown”
– “+63” is the global country telephone prefix to the Philippines, and obviously there are no Idaho government offices tied to your registration or drivers license in that country.
2nd red flag: “Official Notice – Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)”
– The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) DOES NOT send “official notices” via text message, and especially from unknown out of country phone numbers such as the Philippines.
3rd red flag: “unpaid traffic citation associated with your vehicle registration”
– Idaho does not issue traffic citations using camera systems, or any other method other than a Law Enforcement Officer physically handing someone a citation IN PERSON. It’s possible some cities or entities leave parking tickets for violations on the windshield of a vehicle. In either case, if you received a citation ITD would never send a text with an internet link for you to pay it. Notices of that nature would be sent in the mail to the address on your registration or drivers license.
4th red flag: “Under Idaho Administrative Regulation 16C-16.003…”
– A quick internet search would reveal that “16C..” isn’t real or even in the same format as Idaho Statutes.
5th red flag: the so-called online payment portal “idaho.org”
– The “.org” may lead one to believe this is an official state of Idaho web address, along with “bond/dmv” after it, however all state of Idaho sites end in a “.gov” address.
OUR ADVICE:
– ANYTIME there is a link in a text that look suspicious, take a moment to research and look on your own independently BEFORE you click on it. DO NOT click on unofficial or suspicious links
– NEVER reply back with any information, including a “Y” like this particular scam asks for. If at all possibly, mark the text as spam, fraudulent, and/or block it from your device.
– BEFORE you take any action, ask your self if what is being sent to you makes realistic sense or is reasonably possible, consider ways you can verify the information without responding or clicking on any links.
– LEARN: Take the time to educate yourself on common scams and ways to protect yourself be visiting the resources on this app and on the FBI’s Internet Crime Reporting website: www.ic3.gov
Find more scam resources on the Community Resources page and on the BCSO Mobile App – search for “Idaho Sheriff Connect” in your mobile app store!
