License Validation Text Message Scam Circulates In RI

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island leaders warned residents not to fall for a text message scam claiming to be from the state government.

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea and Attorney General Peter Neronha warned of the scam, which prompts the person to click the link in the message to "validate" their license.

"These text messages are not from the Rhode Island Secretary of State or the Rhode Island Department of State," the AG's office said. "The Rhode Island Department of State does not text Rhode Islanders."

Anyone who receives such a text should not click the link or respond, Neronha said. Instead, report the scam by calling the Consumer Protection Unit at 401-274-4400 or emailing consumers@riag.ri.gov.