'It’s a scam': Ontario warns residents not to click on link in licence plate refund text

The Ontario government says it is aware of a text message phishing scam falsely claiming to help individuals get their licence plate renewal fee refunds.

The text messages appear to ask residents to click on a link in order to get their $120 back. The words “ServiceOntario” are seen at the top of the text, making it appear as though the message was approved by a legitimate government source.

“Individuals should not open or click on any links as this message is not authorized by ServiceOntario and is a scam,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Government and Consumer Affairs said in a statement.

“ServiceOntario will not contact you directly to provide a link to a refund. Ontarians will receive refunds for licence plate stickers directly by cheque through the mail in late March and through April.”

The government said they are working with Ontario Provincial Police, as well as other law enforcement partners, “to resolve the matter.”