FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2014
CONTACT: MATT DUNLAP
(207) 626-8400

SECRETARY OF STATE MATTHEW DUNLAP ALERTS PUBLIC OF POTENTIAL PHONE SCAM

AUGUSTA, Maine—Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is notifying the public of a potential phone scam.  Detectives within the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) received complaints from citizens who have received phone calls claiming to represent the “Maine DMV.”  The callers say they are soliciting collection of alleged unpaid fines, and threatening the recipients with suspension of their driver licenses if fees are not paid.

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles would never make solicitation calls to collect fine money or reinstatement fees, said Matthew Dunlap, Maines Secretary of State. The citizen is given notice by mail, either from our office or the courts that they are pending suspension. Then it is up to them to take care of their situation. If they dont, the consequences do become compounded, but we count on our citizens to do what we already know they do very wellrespect the law.

Caller identification technology shows the calls to originate from the “Department of Motor Vehicles Bangor” (with the actual BMV Bangor branch phone number 207-942-1319).  The caller states that failure to pay the fine money will result in license suspension and a warrant issued for their arrest.

Maine BMV officials, law enforcement, and the Secretary of State are strongly urging citizens to avoid falling victim to what appears to be a financial scam being perpetrated through these phone calls.  The Department of the Secretary of State, including BMV, does not call citizens to collect money.

Anyone who has received such a call is encouraged to contact the main office of the Secretary of State at (207) 626-8400.  If you would like to inquire about the status of your driver’s license, please contact the BMV at 624-9000 Ext. 52100.