CA DMV WARNS ABOUT NEW PHISHING SCAM!

 

The California DMV is warning its constituency of a new Phishing Scam. The DMV has learned that there is a new phishing scam that is spread through text messages and related to “REAL ID.” The DMV has been informed by many of its customers that they have received text messages stating, “Our records indicate that your contact information must be updated for REAL ID Compliance. Provide an Up-to-date Mailing Address and Phone Number.” Unfortunately, when customers click the continue button, the following message appears: “Action Needed: Due to an update on our new regulation complaint, every CaDMV customer must update their contact information. Update now at: (a fictitious link).”  To be clear, this text message is definitely NOT from the DMV.

You should never get unsolicited requests for information from the DMV. When the DMV texts or emails customers, it occurs only AFTER AN ACTION INITIATED BY THE CUSTOMER. For example, you might receive an appointment reminder or cancelation notice by text or email from the DMV, but only after you have scheduled an appointment. Or sometimes if you establish an online account with the DMV or started an interactive, assisted online transaction with the DMV, the DMV may then contact you for further information that is specifically related to that transacton.

The DMV does not ask for personal information through text or email. They collect information about a customer only through the CA DMV website.  It is recommended that customers who have received these phishing text messages ignore and delete them. Customers can report the phishing attack to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. If you receive a phishing email, forward it to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. For a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM (7726).

As a reminder, as of October 1, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be requiring travelers to have a valid passport or other federally approved document, which includes a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board any airline flights within the United States. This requirement also extends to access to secure federal facilities and military bases. 

If you are looking to obtain a REAL ID, you should fill out the online application before visiting a DMV office. Then upload the required documents and bring the confirmation code you receive along with your documents to your DMV office. You can even bring these items in the same day you fill them in online. More information is available at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.