Beginning May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin enforcing the Real ID law, and scammers are taking advantage of the quickly approaching deadline by contacting people pretending to be government officials through phishing tactics.

Here are some simple steps that we can take to protect ourselves from Real ID scams:

1. Know the Facts: The Real ID requirement goes into effect on May 7, 2025. You will need a Real-ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID (marked with a star) for domestic flights and federal building access. If you have a current TN State Driver’s License or State ID, you can go to the County Clerk in your county of residence. If not, you will need to apply for a Real ID at a full-service Driver Services Center.

2. Beware of Unsolicited Contact: Scammers may call, email, or text, impersonating a government official claiming you may need to pay or update your Real ID. The Tennessee government will NOT contact you about your Real ID.

3. Verify Sources: Only use trusted information from the TN.gov website. Do not use links or random pop-ups you may receive from texts or emails.

4. Protect Your Personal Information: Never share your social security number, banking information, passwords, etc. over the phone.

5. Avoid Emergent Emotional Responses:  Scammers love to use urgency and threats to make us respond quickly, in the moment. If you feel you are being pressured, hang up and verify the information from a legitimate source like tn.gov.

Source: aarporg and AgeWell Middle Tennessee