AUGUSTA — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is warning Mainers not to click the link in a scam text message sent Monday to Mainers’ phones.

The texts claim to be from the “Maine Department of Motor Vehicles.” At least one version claims that “you still have an outstanding traffic ticket” and that “you may be prosecuted and your credit score will be affected.”

It then directs you to “pay now” and click a link.

“This is a scam, pure and simple,” Bellows said. “These are cyber criminals trying to take Mainers’ money. Whatever you do don’t click on that link.”

If you did submit your credit card information, Bellows said to immediately contact your financial institution.

“Remember, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is never going to ask you for money via text nor are we ever going to inform you of a license violation via text message,” she said.

Those types of communications from the state are sent through the mail or by email, she said.

The latest text scam follows one that began earlier this year when cyber criminals impersonating the Maine Turnpike Authority also targeted many Mainers.

An image of one of the scam texts sent on Monday. (Spectrum News/Susan Cover)
An image of one of the scam texts sent on Monday. (Spectrum News/Susan Cover)