Imposter and phishing scams continue to sweep across Illinois, affecting many government departments in the state.  Scammers are using text messages, emails, and phone calls in their schemes to rip off consumers. Because of delays caused by the pandemic, Illinois residents are in some cases waiting in long lines to renew their driver’s license and state ID.  

“Scammers follow the news and see situations that negatively impact people as an opportunity to take advantage of them,” says Steve Bernas, president, and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. In one of the phishing schemes, scammers are sending text messages claiming to be from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). The message reads…Illinois Department of Transportation Driver License Waiver Validation. Validate your details below.

“This is classic identity theft, notes Bernas. The text requires you to provide your driver’s license number, date of birth, and Social Security number,” says Bernas. “This is easily identifiable as a scam because driver’s licenses are issued by the Secretary of State’s Office, not by IDOT.” To avoid becoming a victim of identity theft: 

• Delete emails and texts that promise or offer access to driver’s licenses or state ID cards, and do not click on any links in the emails or text messages. 

• Consider freezing your credit for more protection if you are not currently seeking any type of loan. This protects you and you can unfreeze your credit any time you like.

• Hang up on any calls, including robocalls, which ask you to take immediate action or provide personal information. 

• Ask to use other identifiers besides your Social Security number if it is requested. 

• Keep computer software and virus protection up to date. 

Report scam activity whether you have fallen victim or not to the BBB Scam Tracker at BBB.org.