Michigan’s Latest Text Scam Is Laughably Bad

If I'm honest, there are times I admire some of Michigan's criminals' ingenuity and willingness to embrace new technology. Don't get me wrong, I think they're scumbags, but at least they're willing to learn something new. And then, there's the latest scam in Michigan, which, based on the execution, was clearly organized by someone who couldn't pass an eye exam.

RELATED: Since When is Michigan’s Secretary of State Appointment Only?

How the Scam Works in Michigan

On June 9th, at 4:06 p.m., I received a text message (see below) from an email address. That was my first clue that I was in for a treat, and while I immediately spotted the signs that this text is a scam, there are those in Michigan who may fall prey to these dastardly criminals.

Obvious Red Flags That It’s a Scam

Let's take a look at the glaring signs that the above is a scam.

1. The Sender
   1. Petty19981004@dmvsher.wssthxmht.com doesn't exactly scream State of Michigan employee.
2. Michigan Department of Vehicles (DMV)
   1. We do not, and have never had, a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Michigan. We have the Secretary of State, although both places offer long lines and feral children.
3. The State of Michigan Doesn't Text Collection Notices
   1. Jocelyn Benson isn't spending her days sending messages to delinquent drivers.
4. The Website
   1. In the interest of not providing another link, I won't print it here, but please note that any website related to the State of Michigan or any other governmental body will end in .gov, not .com.

What To Do If You Get This Text

What should you do if you receive this text? Delete it. Don't click, don't reply—just delete the scam and move on with your day.

Though there wasn't an official press release from the Michigan Secretary of State Office, their website was emblazoned with a banner at the top reading:

The Michigan Department of State / Secretary of State will never ask people to send money or personal information via text message. Please contact the Michigan Department of Attorney General for more information on how to identify scams and to file a complaint.

So, be careful out there, don't click on any suspicious links in texts, emails, or any other kind of messages, and maybe we'll see each other while waiting to get our Real ID at the DMV.