Stay Alert for Deceptive Identity Scams on the Rise
Head's up, folks! The REAL ID deadline has passed in most states, and if you're planning on catching a flight or visiting a federal building, get ready to whip out a compliant driver's license or state ID, or an alternative such as a passport or Trusted Traveler card.
It seems like some states are still struggling to meet the demand – with fewer than half of residents sporting a compliant license in certain areas. With time running short, scammers have taken notice and started peddling their schemes. Here's what you need to know to stay safe.
Real ID Scams: How They Operate
Scammers have had the REAL ID on their radar for quite some time, thanks to those repeated deadline extensions. They're primarily using phishing tactics, like emails, texts, or calls that appear to be from the DMV or DHS. These lure you into clicking on fake websites that promise a seamless application process or personal information updates to help you obtain your REAL ID. The catch? These sites snatch your data, which is then used for unsavory purposes, or force you to download malware onto your device [Source: AARP].
Remember that phony "driver's license waiver" targeting Illinois residents? It's one example of these scams [Source: Better Business Bureau]. There are many others, so stay vigilant!
Spotting REAL ID Scams: A Guide
Already rocking a REAL ID? Congrats! Ignore any messages telling you otherwise – your ID is golden, literally, with a star in the corner. If you don't plan on jetting off anytime soon, a regular ID should suffice for most other scenarios, and you can use alternatives for flying if those are in your back pocket.
If you do need to upgrade to a REAL ID, remember that the government won't blindside you with an unsolicited request for your personal info. Keep a sharp eye out for texts, emails, and calls with area codes that don't match your location or email addresses ending in .com. Instead, look for automated texts that come from short five-digit numbers, not full phone numbers or emails [Source: AARP].
Ignore any services that guarantee an online REAL ID, offering to let you skip the DMV trip. This is a scam, plain and simple. Also, steer clear of providing bank account or credit card numbers during online applications – REAL ID fees are collected in person at the DMV [Source: AARP].
To steer clear of REAL ID scams and protect your data, follow these tips:
- Be suspicious of unsolicited texts, emails, and calls.
- Verify official websites before sharing personal information.
- Avoid clicking links from unknown senders.
- Protect your personal info from unauthorized access [Source: AARP].
- Remember that the REAL ID process requires an in-person DMV visit [Source: AARP].
- Don't provide sensitive information via unsolicited communication.
- Find your compliant ID by looking for the gold or black star [Source: AARP].
By adhering to these guidelines, you'll be one step closer to a safe and stress-free REAL ID application!
- Scammers, taking advantage of the REAL ID deadline, are using phishing tactics such as emails, texts, or calls that falsely claim to be from the DMV or DHS, directing you to fake websites to steal your personal data or install malware onto your device.
- In the REAL ID application process, the government won't surprise you with unsolicited requests for your personal information; be wary of texts, emails, and calls with non-local area codes or unfamiliar email addresses, and instead look for automated texts from short five-digit numbers.
- Refrain from using services that guarantee an online REAL ID application, claim to bypass the DMV trip, or ask for bank account or credit card numbers during online applications, as these are scams that violate the secure in-person REAL ID application process at the DMV.
