This DMV scam tried to steal my information — here's what I did
This DMV scam tried to steal my information — here's what I did
Dealing with the DMV is bad enough, but a scam looking to steal your valuable personal details while pretending to exist your local DMV? That'southward merely downright evil.
And that'southward what I got today, when a random text message tried to go me to click on a URL that sent me to a convincing-looking fake DMV website — and and then asked for my Social Security number and my driver's license number.
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Otherwise, this "smishing" — SMS phishing — scam told me, my driver's license may non be in compliance with new federal rules if I didn't follow along.
While I was showtime tipped off to the sketchiness of the text message considering of its URL — the New York state DMV would non utilize a web address ending in ".in", the top-level domain for India — this could easily fool someone who trusts the texts they receive. (They should not.)
Making matters worse, those who click on that URL are sent to a regular-looking website with a legitimate-looking domain name: https://secure.newyorkdmv[dot]net/. Not only is this an secure HTTPS site, but the use of "secure" as a subdomain adds just the right touch to make someone recall they're going to the bodily DMV website.
Merely things become even more convincing once you click through. You first get a warning message that reads: "Our records indicate that your contact information must be updated for Real ID Compliance. Delight provide an Up-to-date Mailing Accost and Phone Number".
Aside from the random use of capital letters, this looks pretty convincing. The scammers' reference to REAL ID Compliance, a new federal regulation that many state DMVs have to comply with, makes it all more convincing.
On top of that, the folio where yous enter your proper name, address, date of nativity, SSN and commuter's license number — enough for a good head commencement in identity theft — looks legitimate enough and then that someone could easily be fooled.
Have a wait at the faux DMV site:
Note the use of the New York State logo in the summit right corner, and how the site looks well-designed enough to confuse someone afraid of losing access to their driver's license.
The actual NY DMV website (below) is a flake better designed, only information technology's still shut enough to the in a higher place forgery that I wouldn't call up whatsoever less of someone who was fooled.
How to avert scams similar this:
A few simple rules to stay safe. Beginning, never click on links sent by anyone y'all don't know or recognize. That'due south non simply for text messages, only emails likewise.
2nd, don't think a site is safe or trustworthy just because information technology looks like it should be, and especially just because it has an HTTPS padlock in the address bar.
In this instance, I would advise someone who opened that URL to open a new tab or window, and do a Google search for their state or province'southward actual DMV website. Comparison the real site's appearance and web accost to the fake ones will reveal you're not on the bodily website in question.
Tertiary, inquire yourself when filling out forms online whether the recipient really needs this data. Only the IRS, land revenue enhancement authorities and your employer really demand your Social Security number — anybody else can use other forms of ID. And if the DMV already has your mobile phone number, why would its grade ask for exactly that information?
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/this-dmv-scam-tried-to-steal-my-information-heres-what-i-did
Posted by: mcgriffholoo1954.blogspot.com
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