VERIFY: Beware of text message scams that appear to come from state agencies

ILLINOIS, USA — Have you gotten a text from a state agency asking for personal information or a link to follow to take some sort of action? 

Scam Text Message Example

THE QUESTION

Should you click on the link included in the text? 

OUR SOURCES

- The Illinois Secretary of State's Office
- The Illinois Department of Employment Security
- The Illinois Department of Transportation

THE ANSWER

No! This is a scam.

WHAT WE FOUND

Illinois' Departments of Employment Security (IDES), Transportation (IDOT), and the Secretary of State's Office have all put out public notices reminding the public that they will never text you in search of personal information. 

Related: Scammer tells News 8 he loves scamming people

Alerts were shared from these departments in June of 2021 in response to an uptick of phishing scams.  Phishing is when scammers attempt to impersonate a legitimate organization to steal your information. 

Illinois Department of Transportation: 

"While the messages might look official, IDOT will never request personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking information, via text or email."

Iowa Department of Transportation:
The Henry, IA County Treasurer said the following about the text scams--

"Scam Text messages with a link have been reported that appear to be from the Iowa DOT and refers to a waiver on your driver license.  This is a scam and should be deleted.  The only text messages sent by the Iowa DOT are appointment reminders for anyone scheduling online driver license appointments with the Iowa DOT."

Illinois Department of Employment Security:  

"Please note that individuals will never receive a text message from IDES seeking personal identifiable information, like your social security or driver’s license numbers."

Illinois Secretary of State:

"The Secretary of State’s office NEVER requests personal information, like a Social Security number, via text message or email."  

To protect yourself you can do the following:

• Delete emails and texts that ask for personal information 
• Do not click links included in the email or text, as it could contain malware
• Hang up on robocalls or callers that ask you to take immediate action or provide personal information
• Ask to use other identifying information other than your Social Security number

If you have concerns or questions about text message scams, call the Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Hotline at 800-386-5438 (Chicago), 800-243-0618 (Springfield) or 800-243-0607 (Carbondale).