Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Erie County Clerk Mickey Kearns is alerting residents about a new text message phishing scheme that is circulating across Erie County. He says the text messages include a link that claims to direct consumers to a page that will provide information of overpayment to the state DMV.
Kearns says the link then prompts individuals to confirm their email in an embedded link in order to acquire a refund. "I want residents to know that the Erie County Auto Bureau or the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will never solicit your private information via email, text or over the phone," says Kearns. "If you receive such a fraudulent message, please ignore and delete such requests."
The most common indicators of a phishing attempt usually involve tone, grammar and urgency in a text message or email subject line. Major warning signs are an unfamiliar greeting, grammatical errors and misspelled words.
Kearns states, "The best way to protect yourself from an attack is to be aware, avoid opening or responding and delete the messages immediately. If possible, you can block the number or email address from your device to prevent further contact."
"The safest way to conduct your DMV business is at your local Erie County Auto Bureau. Appointments are required. However, same day or next day appointments are currently being accepted at all area branches," added Kearns.
