Register your lawnmower? No, RMV warns of latest scam

No, the state does not want you to register your lawnmower with the RMV.

A phony message about RMV plans for Massachusetts to require residents to pay $38 for an annual lawnmower registration sticker has been circulating recently on social media. So much so that it’s generated “several frustrated calls from constituents,” Rep. Joseph McKenna of Sutton said at a budget hearing Tuesday.

“My research into that led me to believe that that was completely a fraudulent message that has been out there,” McKenna told Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie at the Amherst hearing. “But just wanted to bring it to your attention as something that was concerning constituents across across our districts. I understand that’s not real. I just wanted to bring it to your attention.”

Ogilvie said she was “glad to hear lawnmowers aren’t in my purview” but took the opportunity to highlight the fact that MassDOT and the RMV have been battling fraudulent or scam messages for months.

“There are a variety of fraudulent messages that have been going on via text. And I just want to confirm to the committee that Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles never asks for payment via a text link. And so a message to all of our consumers, if you get something from DMV, RMV or tolling, we do not communicate and ask for payment via text messages. Those are all fraudulent,” she said. “With the advance of AI technology and advanced technologies, these bad actors can adjust these messages really quickly to make them really look like state-issued messages. So, consumer alert.”

An image that has been shared across social media over the last week claims the Massachusetts Legislature is “considering a new law that would require all residential lawnmowers in the commonwealth to be registered each year.” The image claims to be an “official notice for all Massachusetts residents” but does not mention any state agency or office, and makes a stray reference to a section of the state Constitution that deals with the right against self-incrimination.

A search of the Legislature’s website found no bills filed this session dealing with lawnmowers.

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