Real ID scams surge as deadline nears, Better Business Bureau warns
With the deadline to obtain a Real ID just weeks away, the Better Business Bureau is warning about a surge in scams designed to steal your identity.
The BBB said scammers are using a variety of tactics to deceive individuals into giving up sensitive information that can then be used to steal their identity, including calls, texts, emails offering to "help" you get a Real ID, or fake websites.
"It happened the last time in 2021, when there was the original deadline that was subsequently canceled, but we saw that happen back then. So we're issuing a warning today, because there will be an increase as we approach the May 7th deadline," BBB Chicago President and CEO Steve Bernas said.
Bernas said he expects thieves will rely on the increased chaos and urgency in the final days before the Real ID becomes required to fly domestically to exploit people who may overlook suspicious URLs or misspelled texts and comply with demands for immediate actions.
The BBB said the complaints have started to roll in since stories about the deadline started making headlines around the country, especially for those planning future airline travel.
Impostors are posing as government employees to get people's personal information such as bank account numbers; warning people about the deadline, or claiming there's a problem with their Real ID status.
"That's the majority of the impostor scams that we see at the Better Business Bureau," Bernas said. "Any type of information that they can get to steal your identity, that's still the fastest growing white-collar crime today is identity theft."
The BBB warns these communications often appear legitimate, with official-looking caller IDs and convincing websites.
What do you do if you get an email or a test message or a call about this? Bernas said no government agency will reach out directly to people about the Real ID.
"It's getting to the point where we ask you not to answer your phones. Unless it' in your contact information, let it go to voicemail. It's just getting so bad out there," he said.
The BBB also warned people not to click on any links involving the Real ID unless you are on an official government website.
Beyond stealing sensitive information, these scams can also expose your devices to malware.
If you do get a scam email or a text about the Real ID, you can report it to the BBB, which tracks scams nationally and shares information with law enforcement agencies.
Illinois officials have been working hard to make the Real ID accessible and easy to obtain before the May 7 deadline. A new Real ID-only supercenter opened in downtown Chicago at 191 N. Clark Street, which takes walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The Illinois Secretary of State has also been opening new DMV facilities that integrate multiple DMV and administrative services into one location with larger staff in hopes of expediting a number of services, including getting a Real ID.
Real IDs will be required to fly domestically starting on May 7, but that does not mean your driver's license or other official government-issued identification is rendered invalid. Regular IDs are still valid for driving, voting, general identification purposes, entering some state or federal properties and receiving state or federal services.
You will need a Real ID or a valid U.S. Passport or passport card to fly domestically or visit a military base or secure federal facility. If your current ID is not expiring and you have a valid alternative form of identification like a passport or passport card, the state of Illinois recommends you wait to get your Real ID until your current ID expires or the initial crush of Real ID appointments eases.
A U.S. Passport is still required for international travel. To see what you need to bring to get a Real ID, click here to visit the Illinois Secretary of State website.
