“Beware: Scammers Exploiting REAL ID Deadline Confusion to Commit Fraud”

CHICAGO (WLS) — The ABC7 Chicago I-Team is uncovering scams targeting residents trying to meet Wednesday’s REAL ID deadline.

With lines and confusion about what’s required, scammers are using that urgency to steal money and identities.

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According to the Department of Homeland Security, individuals who do not possess a passport or a REAL ID can still board flights using their regular ID. However, they may be subjected to additional screening procedures.

In the meantime, scammers are targeting people scrambling to get those REAL IDs.

“Many individuals have been delaying the process, hoping for some stroke of luck. When they finally receive that notification, they realize the importance of taking action,” shared Truman Kain.

Kain is a security researcher from the cybersecurity group Huntress.

Kain also highlighted the prevalence of scammers who are resorting to sending fraudulent emails and text messages, posing as governmental entities. These deceptive communications often urge recipients to provide updated information for their REAL ID.

“No DMV or federal agency is gonna ask you to confirm your details through email or text,” Kain said.

Other messages could claim there’s a way to skip that long line.

“The one that works best is, ‘Hey, we can expedite the process for you. Pay this money, enter your information and we can get you that REAL ID without waiting in line,'” Kain said. “The only thing the scammers are going to expedite is stealing your identity.”

Another security group, Guardio, shared images of fake ads and social media accounts offering REAL ID help.

The texts could also claim people need to “pay a fine” if they don’t yet have the REAL ID, but there are not fines if people don’t get one.

“They’ll keep asking for more credit cards until you realize it’s a scam,” Kain said.

And don’t expect the phishing scams to go away anytime soon.

“Even after the deadline, these scam messages are gonna keep going out,” Kain said.

Kain also says that some of those links go to fake websites, which look almost identical to real government websites.

“They look picture perfect, and they’re going to be collecting either payment information or your personal information,” Kain said.

Even if people don’t enter personal information, those links can install malware on devices and hold them hostage.

REAL IDs can only be obtained through the DMV.

Suspicious messages should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and deleted immediately.