WEST LEBANON — The departments of motor vehicles in both Vermont and New Hampshire are warning residents of text message scams that ask recipients to submit payment or risk having their licenses suspended.

The text messages claim to be “a final notice” informing recipients that their “traffic violation remains unpaid,” according to a Monday news release from New Hampshire DMV. The messages also threaten recipients with penalties such as prosecution, credit damage, and the suspension of their vehicle registration and driver’s license if they fail to make an immediate payment.

Neither state’s department of motor vehicles sends people text messages about payment.

“When the Vermont DMV needs to communicate with customers, we send notices via the mail and use other communications that are easily recognizable as valid and official because they contain accurate and detailed personally identifiable information,” Commissioner Andrew Collier said in a Monday news release.

New Hampshire DMV only uses text messages for appointment reminders.

People who receive the scam texts should not click on any links in the messages, or provide payment or personal information. They also should immediately delete the message.

Those unsure about communication from the New Hampshire DMV should call the department’s customer service line directly at 603-227-4000.

Those who believe they are victims of a scam or identity theft should file reports with their local police departments, review personal credit reports, and consider setting up fraud alerts or a credit freeze.

Identity theft victims also can file reports with the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 1-877-438-4338.