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Public Notice

IMPD North District Crime Watch - Spotting Fake Indiana BMV Notices (Digital & Mail Scams)

posted: Oct. 22, 2026

Scammers continue to target Hoosiers using fake communications impersonating the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), local traffic courts, and toll authorities. Whether delivered directly to your smartphone via text and email or sent to your mailbox as official-looking paper letters, these fraudulent notices aim to panic you into paying fake fines or handing over your personal information.

Follow these practical guidelines from IMPD North District to identify deceptive communications and protect your identity.

Digital Scams: Texts & Phishing Emails

Digital BMV scams usually arrive as urgent text messages or emails claiming you have unpaid toll charges, outstanding traffic citations, or immediate vehicle registration issues.

Urgent Threat Tactics: Messages typically threaten immediate driver's license suspension, legal prosecution, or steep late fees if you do not pay within 24 to 72 hours.

Official Policy Reminder: The Indiana BMV does NOT send SMS text messages regarding outstanding penalties, unpaid tickets, or license suspensions. Likewise, the Indiana Toll Road operator does not text or call asking for unpaid toll payments.

Fake Links & Web Portals: Scammers direct you to fake look-alike websites designed to collect your credit card or Social Security number. Official Indiana BMV services are strictly located at myBMV.com or IN.gov/mybmv.

How to Handle Fake Texts: Do not click links or reply to the sender. Forward suspicious text messages directly to 7726 (SPAM) so your wireless carrier can investigate and block the scammer's domain across their network, then block the sender on your phone.

Physical Mail Scams: Fake Letters & Invoices

Scammers also use paper mailers that imitate official government documents using official-looking seals, barcode overlays, bold deadline warnings, and payment vouchers.

Fake Extended Warranty & Record Notices: Letters titled "FINAL NOTICE: VEHICLE WARRANTY EXPIRATION" or "OFFICIAL VEHICLE RECORDS NOTICE" are deceptive sales pitches trying to sell third-party service contracts under the guise of state requirements.

Overpriced Broker Solicitations: Mailers offering to process address updates or title transfers for $30 to $100. These are private companies charging high fees for forms and services that the Indiana BMV provides for free or at nominal cost online.

Fake Citation Invoices & QR Codes: Invoices demanding payment for unpaid traffic fines or toll violations often feature QR codes. Scanning a QR code on a paper letter can send your smartphone browser straight to a fraudulent payment portal.

Check the Fine Print: Look at the bottom of the page. Deceptive mailers frequently include small disclosures to avoid federal mail fraud charges, such as "This is a solicitation, not an official government document" or "Not affiliated with any government agency."

Key Rules for Verifying BMV Notices

1. Indiana Uses "BMV", Not "DMV": Indiana operates a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Any letter, text, or email referencing the "Indiana Department of Motor Vehicles" or "DMV" is an immediate red flag.

2. Verify Directly on Official Channels: Never call numbers or click links printed on suspicious notices. Check your account status directly by logging into myBMV.com or calling the official BMV Contact Center at 1-888-692-6841.

3. Check Court Records Online: Official traffic court citations in Marion County are handled through official court systems. Look up active cases or fines anytime on the official Indiana Courts database at public.courts.in.gov/mycase.

4. Never Pay with Gift Cards, Wire Transfers, or Crypto: Legitimate government agencies will never demand payment via retail gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer cash apps.

Where to Report Fraudulent Notices

Report Physical Mail Fraud: File a report with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) at www.uspis.gov or by calling 1-877-876-2455.

Report Consumer Scams: Notify the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at in.gov/attorneygeneral and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Contact IMPD Non-Emergency: If you suspect financial theft or identity theft resulting from a fraudulent notice, call IMPD Non-Emergency at (317) 327-3811 or dial 3-1-1.

Taking a few extra seconds to double-check suspicious notices through official state channels protects your wallet and keeps our community safe.

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