Finance Department warns of ongoing DMV phishing scam

Published on September 23, 2025

LĪHU‘E - The Finance Department is warning the public about a phishing scam involving fraudulent emails that appear to be related to motor vehicle payments.

The scam emails are sent under the name “American Motor Vehicle Services (AMVS) Online” and typically include the subject line: “Payment Incomplete.” The message urges recipients to click a “Pay Now” button or follow a link that directs them to a website designed to steal personal and financial information.

The website and company are not affiliated with the County of Kaua‘i, the State of Hawai‘i, or any official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

This scam is not connected to the County of Kaua‘i, the State of Hawai‘i, or any official Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Those who sign up through the AMVS site are typically charged recurring monthly fees of $11 or more, and canceling these charges can be difficult without canceling the associated credit card.

The Finance Department urges the public to:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or buttons in unsolicited emails.
• Verify your vehicle registration status directly with the County DMV by email at   kauaidmv@kauai.gov or calling 808-241-4242.
• Report phishing attempts to the State of Hawai‘i Office of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Residents are reminded that all official DMV notices will come directly from government offices and never request payment through third-party websites such as AMVS Online.

For more information, please contact the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at

(808) 241-4242 or visit their website at www.kauai.gov/DMV.

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