REAL ID Applicants Warned of Potential Scams, Here’s How to Avoid Them

Americans applying for their REAL IDs need to remain cautious of scams, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security REAL ID Act has officially rolled out beginning on Wednesday, May 7. After years of delays, the standard driver’s license may no longer be acceptable identification for domestic flights or certain federal facilities.

However, the BBB said fake websites are conning people, claiming they can expedite their REAL IDs. But the only way to obtain a Real ID is by visiting the DMV in person, and with the original copies of one proof of identity, one proof of Social Security number and two proofs of state residency.

Pamela Hernandez, BBB Springfield Regional Director, told KSNF Joplin that a possible influx of scams could be similar to when people receive or renew passports. She attributes the scams to preying on people who are “in a hurry because they’ve got a trip coming up, and they start looking online on how to expedite” the process.

“Scammers create websites to take advantage of that and confused consumers,” she said. “So while we haven’t seen anything with Real ID yet, it is a possibility because of all the conversation and confusion.”

“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,” Amie Mitchell, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Oklahoma, said, per Fox News 23. “You have to go to the local DMV to get it done and there are only certain DMVs in town that are actually doing this.”

Bao Vang, VP of Communications at Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota, also told CBS News: “If you’re asked to provide additional information, such as bank account information or credit card numbers, likely a red flag of a scam.”

The REAL ID is a form of identification that meets higher security standards set by the federal government. Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, enacting a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.”

Although a REAL ID looks similar to a regular driver’s license, the significant difference will be the star that appears in the upper right corner.

Most U.S. adults will need a REAL ID if they plan to fly domestically or to visit federal facilities that require identification. Children under 18 won’t need one if they’re flying with a companion who has acceptable ID.