Watch out for scams when getting your Star ID
ALABAMA (WHNT) — The May 7th date is looming for fliers. That's the date TSA will start asking for a real ID or 'Star ID' if you're in Alabama.
Trooper Brandon Bailey with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency said this form of identification creates a safer, more secure way for people to fly.
'We can securely identify who you say you are when you get on these planes and try to cut down and make traveling a safer experience for everybody,' he said.
Alabama Attorney General announces lawsuit against TikTok, ByteDance Inc.
Although millions across Alabama are scrambling to get the ID, you'd rather get caught waiting in line than lose your identity to a scam.
'You've got to have multiple forms of ID for this, said Karen Reeves. 'That's why it does open us up for identity theft. So if we were to go to a bogus website and put all this information in, someone would have everything they needed, you know, for identity theft.'
That's why the Better Business Bureau of North Alabama is warning people against scammers offering an easy 'order online option.'
'It is federally required that you show up in person to get a star ID, and that comes back to just simply so we can identify, we can lay hands on those documents and we can scan them in and so we can certify them,' said Bailey.
While you should make it a priority to get the real ID if you plan to fly in the near future, it's key to know who and where to give your information.
'Scammers always want you to feel a sense of urgency, so I would just say take a few minutes, think about it, go to the actual the DMV website, and it's going to give you all the information there,' Reeves said.ALEA's website has all the required documents to get your Star ID, including where you can make an appointment. You can click here to go to the ALEA website.
The TSA website lists how you can fly without a Star ID. You can click here to go to the TSA website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Federal Communications Commission, TSA warns travelers of ‘juice jacking' in airports
ALABAMA (WHNT) — The Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Communications Commission are reminding airport travelers to be mindful of where they plug their phones in as well as what WiFi they are using while in an airport. The TSA took to social media to remind travelers that in this technology age, cybersecurity has never been more important. The FCC calls it 'juice jacking.' 'Hackers can install malware at USB ports (we've been told that's called 'juice/port jacking'). So, when you're at an airport, do not plug your phone directly into a USB port. Bring your TSA-compliant power brick or battery pack and plug in there,' TSA said. 'Malware installed through a corrupted USB port can lock a device or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator. Criminals can then use that information to access online accounts or sell it to other bad actors,' the FCC said. Some FCC tips to avoid 'juice jacking' include: Using AC power outlets can help you avoid any potential risks, so be sure to pack AC, car chargers, and your own USB cables with you when traveling. Carry an external battery. Consider carrying a charging-only cable, which prevents data from sending or receiving while charging, from a trusted supplier. If you plug your device into a USB port and a prompt appears asking you to select 'share data,' or 'trust this computer,' or 'charge only,' always select 'charge only.' In addition to this, never make online purchases while on free airport WiFi. 'Do not ever enter any sensitive info while using unsecure WiFi,' the TSA said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Moment traveler attacks TSA agents in Florida airport sparking brawl
A Canadian man is facing a potential two-year prison sentence after brawling with Transportation Security Administration agents at Miami International Airport. The fight, which occurred last December, was captured on surveillance video and first obtained recently by Local 10 News. The footage shows Cameron McDougall, 28, attacking TSA agents shortly after he cleared airport security. In the video, McDougall walks into the frame from the left side of the screen and does not appear to be aggressive, but the moment he approaches the TSA security station, he starts throwing punches at agents. A few of his punches miss their mark, and he charges the agent as other TSA agents rush in to help. One of the other agents shoves McDougall over a security cart and pins him to the ground, but McDougall continues throwing punches at the man's face. In another selection of surveillance footage, McDougall can be seen attacking a random man in the airport terminal, swinging wildly on the shocked passerby. An airport security guard was injured trying to break up that fight. A couple of minutes after that confrontation, McDougall walked over to the TSA station to begin his attack there. McDougall was only in Miami because he attacked another passenger on his flight from Panama to his home Toronto. The plane diverted to Miami, and the flight crew — rather than having him arrested — told him if he wanted to get home he'd need to book with another airline. Instead of booking a flight, he started throwing punches. Miami-Dade Police arrested McDougall at the airport. The Canadian has since pleaded guilty to two federal charges for assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. He's facing a two-year prison sentence, and his hearing is scheduled for May 30. In addition to his federal charges, it appears he is also going to face three battery on a law enforcement officer charges from the state of Florida, as well as one misdemeanor battery charge. His hearing in state court has been scheduled for June 2.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Scams totaling over $1M affecting residents in Morgan Co.
MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — Multiple residents in Morgan County are being scammed out of a ton of money totaling over $1M. According to MCSO, last week a resident reported losing $813,000 to a scammer posing as law enforcement and claiming they had Federal Warrants and Charges. This particular resident made payments totaling $813,000 from January to May. This week, another resident reported losing $15,000 to a scammer posing as law enforcement and claiming they had Warrants and Charges as well. 'These are scams. Every time. Do not give money to anyone claiming to be Law Enforcement over the phone….ever….PLEASE,' said the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. MCSO told News 19 that a third resident was contacted by his 'bank' stating that they had received a tip about a $200,000 scam in the area and that his account had been compromised on the 'dark web'. Authorities said that the resident was directed to withdraw money from his bank and deposit it in a bitcoin machine in Huntsville 'for safe keeping until the scam is resolved'. In all, this resident lost $200,000. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office is providing some tips to residents on how to spot scams. You are contacted out of the blue There is an urgent crisis or issue The caller tries to make you fearful You are directed to send/give money or gift cards Hang up and call your bank to verify the issue Talk to someone before taking action When in doubt, hang up! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
