The Billings Police Department announced on Mar. 11 that it has received multiple calls from the public regarding suspicious text messages claiming to be from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MT MVD) about unpaid fines. The department said these texts threaten recipients with revocation of vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses, but confirmed that such messages are not sent by the City of Billings.
This warning is important as scams targeting residents can lead to financial loss and confusion. The police emphasized that the City does not use text messages to collect or notify individuals about unpaid fines, urging people to delete and disregard any such communications.
“THESE ARE NOT VALID TEXTS BUT A SCAM. PLEASE DELETE AND DISREGARD,” the department said in its statement.
Billings, known for its rapid growth in the 1880s which earned it the nickname “the Magic City,” has a history shaped by figures like Yellowstone Kelly and Frederick Billings, according to the city’s history page. The city also preserves its heritage through sites such as the Yellowstone County Museum and Pompeys Pillar National Monument, as reported by the city’s history page.
The City of Billings operates under a charter that authorizes specific mill levies for services including transit, libraries, fire, and police departments, according to an official city document. The city aims to foster a diverse and welcoming environment where residents thrive and businesses flourish, according to its official website.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant against fraudulent communications. The police department’s warning highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to protect citizens from scams.
