BBB: Thieves try to cash in with REAL ID scams

As the May 7 deadline for obtaining a REAL ID draws near, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning the public to be vigilant against a surge of scams designed to steal your identity.

“Fraudsters are exploiting the urgency surrounding the federally mandated REAL ID deadline,” said Steve Bernas, BBB president and CEO. “They are posing as government officials and creating fake websites to trick people into revealing personal information. This information can be used to drain your bank account and cause severe problems.”

Scammers are employing various tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals. You might receive calls, texts, or emails offering “help” to obtain your REAL ID. These communications often appear legitimate, with official-looking caller IDs and convincing websites. However, “no government agency will contact you out of the blue regarding a REAL ID,” Bernas said.

In the final weeks leading up to the deadline, scammers will intensify their efforts, hoping to catch you off guard. They rely on the chaos and urgency of the moment, expecting you to overlook suspicious URLs or misspelled text and comply with their demands for immediate action. Falling for these scams not only risks your personal and confidential information but also exposes your devices to malware.

The BBB urges everyone to remain cautious and skeptical of unsolicited offers related to REAL ID. Protect yourself by verifying the legitimacy of any communication and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources.

The best and safest thing to do is to check with the state for the specific requirements. In Illinois, go to https://realid.ilsos.gov/

If you've encountered a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker.