Indiana State Police uses recent text scam as a teaching moment

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Suspicious text messages from various emails and phone numbers claiming Indiana drivers owe the Department of Motor Vehicles money, demanding payment or consequences.

"This tech scam hit fast and furious in our area and beyond," said Indiana State Police Sergeant Ted Bohner who wants to get the message out that this text is a scam.

"When you look through the scam, it talks about the Indiana Department of vehicles that doesn't exist. We have the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles," Bohner said.

Bohner also wants people to be aware the scammers use a sense of urgency or fear to get people to do something without really analyzing what the message says.

"They use things like pay immediately if you don't, your credit is going to be affected. Registrations are going to be suspended, all things that none of us want to happen to us," warned Bohner.

Bohner says some people called ISP posts and asked questions. If you do fall victim to the scam, call your local police department and report it.

"Yeah, we're going to see these; these texts will continue, most likely. When in doubt, just call and check it out."