Local residents should be wary if they get a call saying the Driver and Vehicle Services Division thinks they pay too much for car insurance.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is alerting consumers after receiving several reports of people receiving this call. The claims are false and misleading. The information about the solicitations has been forwarded to the Minnesota Attorney General for review.

The calls begin with a recorded message that says something to the effect of, “According to recently released information from the Minnesota DMV you are paying too much for your car insurance.” The caller does not identify the company he or she represents. Consumers should know that:

There is no Minnesota DMV — it’s the Driver and Vehicle Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. DVS is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements.

DPS/DVS does not collect or maintain data that would indicate what consumers are paying for insurance, therefore DPS/DVS has not and could not release the information claimed by the telemarketers.

DPS/DVS does not engage in telemarketing, nor does it allow the name of the agency to be used in a manner that would mislead consumers.

DPS officials warn consumers to use caution when dealing with such telemarketers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the law says telemarketers must tell you it’s a sales call, the name of the seller and what they’re selling before they make their pitch. If you don’t hear this information, say “no thanks,” and get off the phone. The FTC says everyone’s a potential target.