Bay State News

BOSTON — Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Registrar Colleen Ogilvie are cautioning Massachusetts residents looking to obtain a driver’s license upon the implementation of the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA) against fraudulent third-parties, websites, and scams.  

When trying to obtain a license, book an appointment or pay fees online, customers should use only the official Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website or visit in-person at an official RMV location.  

“As we work to implement the Work and Family Mobility Act, the Attorney General’s Office will continue to ensure those most vulnerable to fraud are provided the information, resources and protection they deserve,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “This Act is critical to allowing Massachusetts families the ability to drive safely to and from work, school, a doctor’s visit, and other essential appointments with a driver’s license ensuring the safety of all of us. I’m proud to partner with the RMV, MassDOT and the Healey-Driscoll Administration to protect our residents against fraud while efficiently and efficiently implementing this law.” 

Customers may inadvertently come across unofficial third-party websites or “mimic sites” that advertise similar services but have no affiliation with the RMV. 

“Customers need to be aware of individuals who may be trying to commit fraud impacting them with Work and Family Mobility Act transactions and other transactions,” said Registrar Colleen Ogilvie. “Registry customers needing credentials should never pay someone for an RMV appointment. And customers should make sure they are using the official Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website, Mass.Gov/RMV, to conduct their business transactions. Everyone should avoid using any unofficial third-party websites that are offering RMV services to ensure that their personal and financial information is protected.” 

“Immigrants who will become eligible to apply for a driver’s license on July 1 may feel understandably eager yet unsure how to proceed,” said Brazilian Worker Center Executive Director Lenita Reason and 32BJ SEIU Political Coordinator Chrystel Murrieta Ruiz, co-chairs of the Driving Families Forward coalition. “Unfortunately, these are exactly the feelings that scammers try to exploit. We join with the Attorney General’s Office, the RMV, MassDOT and the entire Healey-Driscoll Administration to urge new license applicants to use only Mass.Gov/RMV for an online appointment, to be aware that you do not need to pay anyone a fee for assistance, and to contact a trusted community organization if you have questions. We thank Attorney General Campbell and all state officials for helping to protect new applicants from any abuse.” 

Customers can use the following helpful hints to make sure they are using the website for the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles: 

1. Massachusetts uses the abbreviation “RMV.” Any website using the phrase “Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DMV” should be avoided. 
2. Make sure the Commonwealth’s seal is located somewhere on the page. This will help ensure that it is an official government website. 
3. Always read the fine print.  If a website says “for-profit” or “privately owned” it is not the RMV website.  
4. The Registry will never charge a customer to check the status of a license, registration, or title. If the site requires payment to access this information, it is not the RMV website. 
5. At Mass.Gov/RMV, a customer will never be charged to access Registry forms and information, but unofficial sites may charge for this service. Their information may not be accurate. 
6. The Registry never charges for address changes. If a customer uses an unofficial site, the change may not go through.

Any information on these unofficial websites may not be accurate, and any details or payments that customers submit may not be secure. For more information on the dangers of third-party services, visit the Mass.Gov/RMV. 

Customers who have concerns about potential scams can contact the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation by calling the Consumer Hotline at (617) 973-8787, or toll-free in MA at (888) 283-3757. For questions about the Work and Family Mobility Act, call 857-368-WFMA (9362). 

For the latest Registry updates and information, follow the RMV on Twitter @MassRMV.  

The AG’s Office fields thousands of consumer complaints annually and provides voluntary mediation services to resolve disputes with businesses. Consumers looking to report a scam or have concerns are encouraged to file a complaint on the AG’s website.  

Original source can be found here.