The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is alerting residents about a new online scam targeting vehicle owners. This scam involves fake advertisements on social media that promise discounted vehicle registration renewals. The ads claim to offer services at a 50% discount, which is misleading and illegal.
According to the DMV, these deceptive ads ask for personal details such as your full name, license plate number, and the last five digits of your vehicle registration number. To take advantage of this supposed discount, victims are instructed to make payments through Cash App, a peer-to-peer payment service.
The DMV emphasizes that it is against state law to offer discounted vehicle registration renewals. They also clarify that they will never request personal information or payments through unofficial channels like social media.
Residents are advised to be cautious and avoid engaging with any offers of discounted DMV services. The DMV does not partner with third parties to provide special deals, and any unsolicited messages requesting personal or financial information should not be answered. If you come across suspicious posts, the DMV encourages you to verify the source by calling their official number at (800) 777-0133.
To ensure safe transactions, the DMV recommends that vehicle owners renew their registrations directly through the official DMV website. You can also visit a DMV kiosk or make an appointment at a DMV office to complete your registration renewal. DMV Director Steve Gordon stressed that the safest way to renew vehicle registration is through the official DMV website.