After 20 years and multiple delays, May 7 marks the day when your identification needs to be REAL ID compliant or the equivalent before you’ll be allowed to board a commercial flight in the United States. Despite all that lead time, Americans across the country are rushing to make sure their IDs are in order.
Scammers know that, too.
REAL IDs must be obtained in person at your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, because you have to present original documents proving your identity and U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
But the Better Business Bureau has warned that websites have popped up offering online REAL IDs without the DMV visit. “Do not enter your information and report the website,” the BBB said.
REAL ID urgency creates opportunities for identity, money theft
“Scammers are taking advantage of the Real ID deadline to trick people into sharing personal and financial information,” Cliff Steinhauer, Director of Information Security and Engagement at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, said in an email. “These scams often arrive in the form of emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to come from government agencies like the DMV. They may urge recipients to click a link or provide details to ‘complete their application’ or ‘avoid penalties.’
“In reality, these are phishing attempts designed to steal data. The urgency around the Real ID requirement makes it easier for these scams to succeed, especially with so many people rushing to meet the deadline.
GuidePoint Security strategist James Chatwani told 9News that some people were even receiving phone calls. “And now with the advent of AI and using deep fakes, it’s actually gotten a lot more targeted and a lot better,” he said.
Government offices will not contact you about a REAL ID. It’s an optional identification (at least until you have to change your name on your driver’s license), and it’s up to every person to get it on their own.
The first rush of REAL ID scams happened in 2021, according to the AARP, when the deadline to get one was Oct. 1. It was extended to 2023 due to the pandemic, and then to May 7, but before that phishing scams erupted in multiple states. Residents received texts supposedly from the state’s DMV with links to fake websites where they were urged to confirm details for “a driver’s license waiver.” (There is no such thing.)
The tax collector’s office in Florida’s Miami-Dade County announced in March that it “uncovered a network of appointment” resellers booking hundreds of DMV appointments before turning them around to unsuspecting residents – for a fee.
How to avoid REAL ID scams
First of all, unless you’re taking a flight or going to a federal building any time soon, remember that it’s not that urgent. And you can still fly if you have a passport or one of several other authorized methods of identification. Secondly, don’t trust texts or email.
“To stay safe, individuals should be cautious of any unsolicited messages related to Real ID,” Steinhauer said. “Government agencies will never contact you directly to request sensitive information or push you to take immediate action.
“Instead, always initiate the process yourself through official state websites or trusted channels. Avoid clicking on links in unexpected messages and never share personal information unless you’ve confirmed the legitimacy of the source.
“Taking these precautions can help you avoid falling victim to a scam during this busy and confusing time,” he said.
And get a REAL ID as soon as you can, in person, to lessen the chances you’ll be fooled with a fake offer.
How do I know if my driver’s license is REAL ID compliant? What’s a REAL ID look like?
REAL ID Florida driver’s licenses have a white star inside a yellow circle in the top right corner of your ID.
What is REAL ID?
A Real ID is a federally approved, state-issued driver’s license or ID that meets new security standards enacted by Congress after 9/11. The deadline was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2005, after the 9/11 Commission recommended that the federal government set standards for identification, such as driver’s licenses, Congress passed the Real ID Act. The act established minimum security standards for getting a license anywhere across the country and prohibited some federal agencies from accepting anything less.
What if I try to fly without a REAL ID after May 7? What are the REAL ID requirements to fly?
Without proper identification, you will not get through a TSA checkpoint at the airport.
According to Homeland Security, travelers without their approved IDs can expect to face “delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” even if you’re a TSA PreCheck passenger.
The REAL ID is strongly encouraged since to get it, you have to present documents in person to establish your identity, proof of legal residence, and date of birth.
However, you can use a passport instead, or one from a list of acceptable identification.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Hustling to get your Florida REAL ID? Don’t fall for these scams
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
