The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles is warning residents about a text message scam.
Officials say there have been a number of texts claiming to be from the DMV, telling recipients that they are facing license suspensions, fines or legal penalties.
The DMV says messages are designed to trick the recipients into clicking malicious links and giving out personal and financial information that could lead to identity theft, malware, or financial fraud.
The DMV says it does not request payment or send threats by text message and anyone who receives a threat should report it.
(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: PAUL ELLIS / AFP / Getty Images