: The DMV will never reach out via text message, email, or social media to ask for payment or sensitive personal information like your Social Security number.
Since the DMV does not buy vehicles, you must sell your car to a private buyer or a licensed dealership. To complete a legal sale in California, you must follow these steps: DMV Warns of Fraudulent Text Scam Asking for Toll Payments
Scammers often impersonate the California DMV to steal personal or financial information. Be aware of the following:
: Common fraudulent messages include claims of unpaid toll fees, traffic tickets, or offers for "discounted" services with links to unofficial websites (e.g., domains ending in .icu instead of .gov ).