Have You Been Threatened By The “Wyoming Department of Vehicles?”

There are widespread reports from across Wyoming about threatening texts from the "Wyoming Department of Vehicles" claiming that people owe money for unpaid parking tickets.

There are numerous reports on social media of residents of Laramie County, Sweetwater County, Albany County, and several other areas getting the texts over the weekend

Among other things, the texts threaten to suspend driving privileges for 30 days, and warn of unspecified "prosecution" and potential damage to your credit.

Who Is The Wyoming Department of Vehicles?

The ''Wyoming Department of Vehicles'' does not exist. The texts, for some reason, mention toll booths. They don't exist in Wyoming either, since the state has no toll roads.

Here is an example of one of the texts posted on the WYDOT Facebook page:

The WYDOT post offered the following comments:
''The foreign area code is the biggest clue, but remember that we won't ever text you about stuff like this, we never call ourselves the DMV, and don't have toll roads. Also, we never accept gift cards as payment for anything.
To everyone who sent us a message about this one -- thank you!
Stay vigilant Wyoming! Don't tap or click any links in scam texts/emails/direct messages
The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit has compiled helpful resources for protecting yourself against scams. Learn more here: https://attorneygeneral.wyo.gov/.../consumer-education.''

The Laramie Police Department has posted a similar warning:
The Laramie Police Department has been made aware of a new text scam. The scammers are texting about needing to pay a ticket or get your license suspended and providing a link.
A reminder that the Laramie Police Department, the courts or wydot will not text you that you owe for a ticket.
Please do not click on the link.
If you have clicked on the link and are out any money contact our non-emergency dispatch at 307-721-2526.