Scammers are exploiting desperate Americans seeking Real ID compliance by creating fake websites that steal sensitive personal information and drain bank accounts.
Key Takeaways
- The Real ID deadline has passed, requiring Americans to have this identification for domestic flights and federal building access, with the star-marked ID only obtainable in person at DMV offices.
- Fraudulent websites falsely claim to process Real IDs online, requesting bank account information and personal details that enable identity theft and financial fraud.
- Government agencies like the DMV will never contact individuals about obtaining a Real ID, as it remains an optional form of identification.
- Americans can still use valid passports and other TSA-approved identification for air travel without needing a Real ID.
- Report suspected Real ID scams to the Federal Trade Commission and your local Better Business Bureau office immediately.
The Real ID Requirement and Rising Scam Threats
The federal enforcement of Real ID requirements has officially begun, creating a perfect opportunity for scammers to prey on Americans scrambling to comply. These specialized driver’s licenses, identifiable by a gold star in the corner, are now necessary for domestic air travel and entering certain federal facilities.
The requirement stems from a 9/11 Commission recommendation to enhance airline safety, but the confusion surrounding the process has created fertile ground for fraudsters looking to steal personal information and financial details from unsuspecting citizens.
Criminals have established sophisticated fake websites that closely mimic legitimate government portals, falsely claiming to process Real IDs entirely online. These sites promise expedited services while requesting sensitive information including Social Security numbers, birth certificates, and even bank account details. The Better Business Bureau warns that providing this information can lead to devastating consequences, from identity theft to unauthorized financial transactions that can drain victims’ accounts.
Real ID scams target applicants as deadline hits — this is one red flag to watch out for https://t.co/8YvlPx796f pic.twitter.com/XrjfKKv7kl
— New York Post (@nypost) May 7, 2025
How to Identify and Avoid Real ID Scams
The most critical fact Americans need to understand is that Real IDs can only be obtained in person at state DMV offices. “Real ID, per federal requirements, has to be done in person,” states Charlie Norman, registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Any website claiming to process these IDs entirely online is unequivocally fraudulent, regardless of how official it may appear. Government agencies will never proactively contact individuals about obtaining a Real ID, as it remains an optional form of identification.
“If you’re asked to provide additional information, such as bank account information or credit card numbers, likely a red flag of a scam,” Bao Vang told CBS News.
Americans should be especially vigilant against phishing attempts that appear to come from legitimate sources like state DMVs or the Department of Homeland Security. These communications often contain convincing logos and official-looking language, but clicking on embedded links can lead directly to scam websites designed to harvest personal information. Legitimate information about obtaining a Real ID should only be sought through your state’s official DMV website or by visiting dhs.gov/real-id.
The Real Dangers of Identity Theft
When scammers collect personal information through fake Real ID websites, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. “Scammers will use that personally identifiable information that they can get from your birth certificate or your Social Security number to do things like open a credit card in your name or maybe file a medical claim in your name,” warns Pam Anson, highlighting the serious impact these scams can have on victims’ financial stability and credit history.
The Better Business Bureau reports that similar scams have targeted passport renewals in the past, exploiting people’s urgency when travel plans are approaching. “Something that we do see that’s similar are passports and passport renewals. People get in a hurry because they’ve got a trip coming up, and they start looking online on how to expedite that, and scammers create websites to take advantage of that and confused consumers. So while we haven’t seen anything with REAL ID yet, it is a possibility because of all the conversation and confusion,” explains Pamela Hernandez, BBB Springfield Regional Director.
Alternatives to Real ID for Travel
Despite the deadline, Americans should know they have multiple options for travel identification. A valid passport remains fully acceptable for domestic flights, and the TSA provides a list of alternative documents including Veteran Health Identification Cards. This important fact undercuts the urgency scammers use to pressure victims into hasty decisions. While the May 7 deadline marks the start of federal enforcement, it’s not a hard cutoff for obtaining a Real ID – citizens can still get one at any point in the future when convenient.
“You’ve got to be careful with Real ID. The scams we’ve been seeing online are that you can get your Real ID completely online. If you are seeing that, that is false. You have to go to the local DMV to get it done and there are only certain DMV’s in town that are actually doing this, I believe it’s most of them, but make sure that they are actually doing the Real ID,” advises Amie Mitchell, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Oklahoma.
If you encounter a suspected Real ID scam, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission and your local Better Business Bureau office. Remember that staying vigilant against these fraudulent schemes is our best defense against identity theft. As Americans navigate this new identification requirement, maintaining a healthy skepticism toward online services claiming to process government IDs remains essential for protecting personal and financial security.
