County of Kauaʻi warns of scam involving ʻAmerican Motor Vehicle Services Online’

The County of Kauaʻi Finance Department is warning the public about a phishing scam involving fraudulent emails that appear to be related to motor vehicle payments.

According to the Finance Department, the scam emails are sent under the name “American Motor Vehicle Services Online” and usually include the subject line: “Payment Incomplete.” The message urges recipients to click a “Pay Now” button or follow a link that directs them to a website designed to steal personal and financial information.

Those who sign up through the American Motor Vehicle Services Online site are usually charged recurring monthly fees of $11 or more, and canceling these charges can be difficult without canceling the associated credit card.

The website and company are not affiliated with the County of Kauaʻi, the state of Hawaiʻi, or any official Department of Motor Vehicles office.

The Finance Department urges the public to:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or buttons in unsolicited emails.
• Verify your vehicle registration status directly with the County DMV by email at  kauaidmv@kauai.gov or by calling 808-241-4242.
• Report phishing attempts to the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Residents are reminded that all official Department of Motor Vehicles notices will come directly from government offices and never request payment through third-party websites like American Motor Vehicle Services Online.

For more information, please contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at 808-241-4242 or visit the website.