Officials with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are urging Santa Clarita residents against falling for a REAL ID phishing scam, which is sent through emails and text messages.  

DMV officials have learned of a text message phishing scam related to REAL ID, and is reminding customers that they will never ask for personal information related to driver’s license number, Social Security number or financial information through email, text or over the phone, according to a statement from the DMV.

DMV officials have heard from multiple customers who have received a text message that states: “Our records indicate that your contact information must be updated for REAL ID Compliance. Provide an up-to-date Mailing Address and phone number.” 

For customers who click the continue button in the message, the following statement 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.)”

Officials confirmed that any messages such as these are not from the DMV.

“The DMV has not sent such a text, nor would we,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “We offer secure online services and send text messages for some services, but never ask for personal information outside of a secure DMV account accessed by the customer.”

DMV officials say that they do not send customers unsolicited requests for information, and that when they do text or email customers, it is based on action initiated by the customer.

“For example, customers may receive an appointment reminder or cancelation notice by text or email from the DMV,” reads a statement issued by the DMV Monday. “Also, when a customer establishes an online account with DMV or has initiated an interactive, assisted online transaction with the DMV, further information may be requested.” 

Anyone who does receive phishing emails is encouraged to forward the message to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. 

For a phishing text message, forward it to SPAM, 7726.

The department recommends its customers ignore or delete any unsolicited texts or emails requesting personal information on behalf of the DMV. 

Customers can report the phishing attack to the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here. 

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