Kauaʻi residents warned of DMV text message phishing scam

The Kauaʻi County Finance Department is warning residents about an ongoing phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages that falsely claim to be from the Hawaiʻi Department of Motor Vehicles.

According to the department, the messages are sent from unknown phone numbers and often begin with language such as “Important: Your Traffic Fine is Pending Payment.”

The texts claim the recipient has an unpaid traffic fine and threaten penalties including vehicle registration cancellation, temporary license suspension, added fees and possible legal action if payment is not made.

The messages direct recipients to click on a link that appears to lead to a payment page but is designed to steal personal and financial information. Officials emphasized that the messages are not affiliated with the County of Kauaʻi, the State of Hawaiʻi or any official DMV office.

The Finance Department said legitimate DMV communications do not request payment through unsolicited text messages, third-party websites or unfamiliar web addresses. Residents are urged not to click on links or respond to suspicious texts and not to provide personal, financial or vehicle information through unknown websites.

Those with questions about their vehicle registration or citation status are encouraged to verify information directly with the Kauaʻi County DMV by calling 808-241-4242 or by emailing kauaidmv@kauai.gov.

Phishing attempts should be reported to the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission at http://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Officials reminded the public that all official DMV notices come directly from government offices and will never demand immediate payment through suspicious links or non-government websites.