June 2, 2017
From Steuben County Spokesperson Mary Perham:
Senior citizens and other residents in Steuben County should be aware of a “fake ticket” email hoax according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The county Office for the Aging was advised Thursday of the hoax, which sends an email notice to consumers stating they must pay a ticket within 48 hours or their license will be revoked.
The fake emails pretend to be from DMV, and report that the State Police has advised DMV that the recipient has several outstanding traffic violations. The fake email then provides two links to either plead guilty or to refute the tickets. The links direct unsuspecting users to a malicious download that will expose the email recipient’s computer to a virus. Recipients are advised to delete the email immediately. Do not click on any links in the email and do not forward the email.
“The Department of Motor Vehicles does not send emails urging motorists to pay traffic tickets within 48 hours or lose your license,” said Terri Egan, DMV Deputy Executive Commissioner. “It is unfortunate that people use our agency’s name to target innocent consumers. We urge New Yorkers to always remain cautious about opening email attachments or following links, even if they appear to come from legitimate agencies.”
In the event the hoax email is opened, officials say the consumer should immediately update and run your antivirus software and take steps to be sure the system is secure. Recipients also are asked to alert the state police.
