March 13th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Revenue is warning Missourians to stay alert after another surge in phishing text scams targeting residents across the state.
According to the department, the fraudulent messages often appear to come from a trusted government agency, including the Missouri Department of Revenue, the Department of Motor Vehicles, or the DMV. The texts typically include threatening language claiming the recipient owes money for unpaid traffic violations, outstanding toll charges, or other fines.
In many cases, the messages warn that a person’s vehicle registration or driving privileges could be suspended if the alleged fines are not paid immediately. Some texts may also threaten additional service charges or legal prosecution.
Officials stress that these messages are not legitimate and are part of a scam designed to steal personal or financial information.
The Missouri Department of Revenue does not request payments or personal information through text messages. Any text claiming to come from the department and asking for payment or sensitive details should be considered fraudulent.
If you receive one of these phishing messages, officials recommend taking the following steps:
- Do not click on any links included in the message
- Do not provide personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, or passwords
- Do not respond to the text message
- Delete the message from your phone
The department encourages residents to remain cautious and report suspected scams to appropriate authorities if necessary.