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RMV warning customers of scams amid statewide outage
The RMV is unable to process transactions online, in person, or over the phone due to a statewide outage, the department said Wednesday morning.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles is warning customers of scams amid a statewide outage preventing the department from processing transactions.
The RMV is unable to process transactions online, in person, or over the phone, it said in a post to its X account at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Customers can use their bank account as an alternative online payment method, according to the RMV.
In an alert Wednesday, the RMV said that there has been no “sharp increase” in reports of scam websites but noted that it is a “busy time of year for customer transactions.”
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“We urge everyone to be vigilant when performing transactions or providing information online for RMV-related services,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie in a statement. “Customers should avoid using any unofficial third-party websites claiming to assist with RMV services, and inform their relatives and friends about this as well.”
The state provided several tips to avoid scams:
- Massachusetts uses the term “Registry of Motor Vehicles” and “RMV.” Do not use sites that reference the “DMV” or “Department of Motor Vehicles.”
- At Mass.Gov/RMV, you will never be charged to check your license, registration or title status.
- At Mass.Gov/RMV, you will never be charged to access Registry forms and information.
- At Mass.Gov/RMV, you will never be charged to change your address on file
Officials are also warning customers about text messages or emails which claim to be from MassDOT or the RMV, as they are often phishing scams.
“These fraudulent texts and emails may include links, which do not lead to official MassDOT or RMV websites, and customers should not follow the links nor reply to these messages with personal information,” the RMV said in the alert.
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The RMV said it would post updates about the outage on its X page. The department had not announced that transactions were working again as of Wednesday night.
Reports of scam websites can be directed to the Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission. Customers with additional questions can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations by calling (617) 973-8787 or (888) 283-3757.
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