Montanans: Beware of New Scam MVD Text Sweeping State

BUTTE, MT - Something suspicious is slithering into the phones of unsuspecting Montanans—and it’s not a rattlesnake in your boots.

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If you recently got a chilling text claiming you owe a traffic fine and could lose your license, brace yourself: it’s a scam. A big one.

The message is dressed up to sound official, complete with legal-sounding codes and dire consequences.

It claims to be from the “Montana Department of Vehicles” (spoiler alert: that doesn’t exist) and warns of suspended registrations, lost driving privileges, prosecution, credit damage, and even a bizarre toll booth fee—all unless you immediately pay through a shady link ending in “.icu.”

Yes, seriously—.icu.

The Danger Behind Montana's Fake DMV Texts

Here’s what makes this scam extra dangerous: it’s loaded with urgency, fear tactics, and enough phony legalese to make your head spin.

But don’t let it.

Let’s clear the smoke:

• Montana doesn’t have a “Department of Vehicles”—we’ve got the MVD, or Motor Vehicle Division.

• There’s no such thing as “Code 15C-16.003.”

• Toll booths? In Montana? Not a chance.

• And again, .icu is a red flag the size of Flathead Lake.

Law enforcement says this isn’t just happening here—it’s sweeping across the country. But Montana is seeing a spike, and scammers are hoping you’ll be too rattled to double-check.

So what should you do?

Delete the text.

Warn your neighbors.

And report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

Because while we pride ourselves on watching out for one another out here, this scam is proof that even Big Sky Country isn’t safe from digital outlaws.

Stay smart, Montana. And never trust a toll booth in a state that doesn’t have any.