Idaho DMV, Star Card texts are scams, state officials warn
Idaho government officials are warning that text messages about unpaid traffic tickets and the newly required Star Card are scams.
Idaho law enforcement agencies never send texts to people to demand payments, threaten penalties for violations or tolls that haven't been paid, or for missed jury duty, the Idaho Attorney General's Office said in a news release.
'Scammers stole over $63 million from Idahoans last year, predominantly targeting our seniors,' Attorney General Raúl Labrador said in a statement. 'These scammers are now using fake DMV texts to steal even more. Idaho families need to know that legitimate government agencies never demand payments through text messages.'
Claiming to be from the Idaho DMV, some of the scam texts say your driver's license could be immediately suspended unless you pay — through a suspicious link.
The Idaho Attorney General's Office urges Idahoans to look out for red flags, like:
Demanding payment urgently — or through gift cards.
Threats to suspend licenses, or even arrest.
And suspicious web links that might look official.
If you receive a suspicious text, do not click any links or share your personal information. Report the text to the Federal Trade Commission, and delete it. The FTC's fraud reporting website is https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
The Idaho Transportation Department is also warning Idahoans about scam texts that falsely promote online payments or quicker access to REAL IDs, also known as Star Cards.
'Scammers are targeting Idahoans with messages that look official but are completely fake,' Idaho DMV Administrator Lisa McClellan said in a statement. 'Your REAL ID can only be obtained in person through an authorized DMV office, not by clicking a link in a text message.'
Find accurate information about Idaho services for the DMV and REAL ID online at the Idaho DMV website, at www.dmv.idaho.gov.
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