State Police warn public about potential scam text messages

AUGUST 14, 2021  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

The Vermont State Police want the public to be aware of scam text messages that appear to be official requests from state government for personally identifying information.

In an alert issued Thursday, the state police described and shared a screenshot of a phishing message that purports to be from the Vermont Department of Public Safety and the Secretary of State’s Office. The message suggests that drivers’ licenses need to be updated. 

The message provides a link and invites recipients to “update your info” as shown in the image of the screenshot state police provided. 

This message is not from any state agency or office, the state police explained, and people should not click on the link. 

So far, state officials are aware of only a few instances of this scam, but anyone who has received the message is encouraged to file a report to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office’s Consumer Assistance Program by calling 800-649-2424 or going to the website ago.vermont.gov/cap/stopping-scams/.

Authorities remind the public never to give out personal information to requests from unknown or suspicious senders.