It’s been a month since the REAL ID requirement kicked in, but with many folks still working on getting theirs, scammers are seizing the moment.
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is alerting the public to a wave of fake text messages claiming you can pay online to get or speed up the process for a REAL ID—also known as the Star Card.
These messages are not legit. They are not connected to ITD or any official DMV service.
“If there’s a link, look closely, scammers often sneak in an extra letter or number in the URL. That’s a red flag,” warns Courtney Wagner of ITD District 4.
Remember: REAL IDs can’t be expedited online. You must apply in person at a DMV office.
If you get one of these shady messages, don’t click anything. Don’t share personal details. And definitely don’t hand over your credit card info.
Stay sharp. Scammers are getting smarter, but so are you.