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January 2026 Winter Storm Scam Alert:

Several Tennesseans are receiving fake texts, calls, and emails claiming to be from TBI or 1-800-TBI-FIND.  Always verify before sharing information. Learn more at: Avoid weather-related utility scams after the recent winter storm | Consumer Advice

Government Imposter Scams in Tennessee

Beware of Government Imposter Scams in Tennessee: Protect Yourself from Fraud

Scammers are increasingly impersonating government agencies, including the Tennessee Department of Motor Vehicles (TnDMV) or the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Department, to deceive residents into providing personal information or making fraudulent payments. These scams often arrive via phone calls, emails, or text messages, falsely claiming unpaid toll violations or urgent government-related matters.The scam messages claim the recipient owes overdue toll fees and threaten that their driver’s license or driving privileges will be suspended if payment is not made. Some messages include a link directing users to a fake website designed to look like the official Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security site.

How These Scams Work
Fraudsters contact victims pretending to be from a government agency, such as TnDMV, the IRS, or Social Security Administration, demanding immediate action. They may claim:
• You owe unpaid toll fees (even though Tennessee has no toll roads).
• Your vehicle registration is at risk of suspension.
• You must verify personal details to avoid penalties.These scammers often use spoofed caller IDs or official-looking emails to appear legitimate.

How to Spot a Scam

Tennessee has no toll roads — Any message about unpaid toll violations is fraudulent.        

Check the sender: Official Tennessee State Government emails end in “@tn.gov.”

Scammers use fear tactics — They may threaten license suspension or legal action.

Verify before acting — Always contact TnDMV directly through official channels.

Ignore suspicious messages — Do not click links or respond. Scammers want you to react quickly — it’s important to stop and verify first.

Verify with the Tennessee driver services TnDMV — Visit https://www.tn.gov/safety/driver-services/online.html or https://dl.safety.tn.gov/ for official information.

Report and delete: Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report the message, then delete it. You can also report scams and suspicious communications to the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).Educate others — Share this information with friends and family.

• Government imposter scams exploit trust in official institutions. By staying informed and vigilant, Tennessee residents can protect themselves from financial harm.
• Government agencies will never demand immediate payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency.