Real ID Deadline brings real scams — Here’s how to protect yourself
June 9, 2025 – Published on ABC13 Las Vegas
With the Real ID deadline now passed, scammers are capitalizing on the confusion, and cybersecurity experts say no one is immune.
Authorities are warning that cybercriminals are using fake websites, AI-generated phone calls, and phishing messages to steal personal information from unsuspecting people rushing to meet the federal identification requirements.
Experts say scammers are posing as government agencies like the DMV and TSA, reaching out via text, email, and even social media to try and trick you into giving up sensitive information. In some cases, AI is being used to mimic official voices, adding an extra layer of deception.
“One of the biggest scams right now says, ‘Give us your Social Security number and a small deposit, and we’ll expedite your Real ID online,’” said Paul Keener, cybersecurity expert at GuidePoint Security. “But the only way to get a Real ID is with an in-person DMV interview—so if it’s online, it’s a scam.”
A common scam currently circulating involves a text message that appears to be from the DMV. It urges recipients to visit a link to complete their Real ID application. The link often leads to a spoofed website that looks nearly identical to the state DMV’s official page.
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