By: Richard L. Smith
Middlesex County residents, and others across the state, are being warned about a resurfacing text message phishing scam impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles. 
According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC), the scheme, known as “SMiShing,” originally circulated in the spring of 2025 and has returned in recent weeks.
The NJMVC emphasized that it only sends text messages to confirm or remind customers about scheduled appointments.
It does not send text messages about driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, or traffic violations.
Scammers are sending fraudulent messages claiming recipients owe payment for an outstanding traffic ticket.
The texts often include fake links with “ezpassnj” and “.gov” to appear legitimate.
Victims are instructed to reply “Y” and then reopen the message to access the link, which redirects to malicious websites designed to steal personal information, financial data, or login credentials.
Officials also clarified that New Jersey E-ZPass never sends unsolicited text messages requesting payment.
The only legitimate texts involving overdue accounts may come from Credit Collection Services, which will always include a phone number, its official website (www.ccspayment.com), and a reference file number.
Authorities urge residents to take the following precautions:
• Do not click links or respond to unsolicited text messages.
• Go directly to official websites to check account or billing issues.
• Never provide sensitive information to unverified websites.
• Block suspicious numbers and report the texts as junk/spam.
• Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) for review.
Anyone who believes they may have fallen victim is encouraged to contact their local police department and file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.