New York officials often warn the public about various phishing schemes. One of the latest ones is related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) warned of a text message phishing scam that asks New Yorkers to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status. The DMV asked anyone who receives such messages to delete them immediately.

The phishing texts urge people to verify their driver’s license details and vaccination status. Text message recipients who share such data may be vulnerable to a potential attack.

SMS phishing scams are also known as smishing scams. Such schemes use fraudulent text messages to acquire personal information from people. The data is then used to commit identity theft, or the targeted individual may be tricked into installing malicious software onto their smartphone or computer.

The NYS Office of Information Technology Services pointed out some telltale signs of phishing scams, such as poor grammar or incorrect spelling in messages. The office also recommended avoiding sharing personal information via text messages or clicking on links from unverified sources.

Amid the aggressive crackdown on phishing schemes in New York, it is not uncommon for innocent individuals to be caught up in the dragnet. If you have been accused of operating a phishing scheme or participating in one, you need an experienced legal team on your side.

While phishing charges are serious, a skilled criminal defense attorney can dismantle the prosecution’s case against you or lessen the consequences you face. Contact Brill Legal Group to learn more about your legal options.