The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has issued a warning to citizens about a recent online scam that targets those looking to renew their driver’s license. According to ALEA, scammers are using this opportunity to deceive people and take their money. This is a concerning trend for citizens of Alabama and it’s important to remain vigilant when it comes to online transactions.
Approximately three weeks ago, concerned citizens visited Judge Kim Kervin’s office in Autauga County Probate to inquire about their undelivered driver’s licenses that they had renewed online. Judge Kervin was overseeing the case and noticed the scam. In Alabama, driver’s licenses can be renewed either in person at any of the 67 county probate offices or online through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) website.
It’s disheartening to know that around 15 individuals from Autauga County have been tricked by a fraudulent scheme. Many people who searched online for the license renewal process were redirected to a misleading third-party website instead of the authentic ALEA platform, without their knowledge.
This website claims to help with the license renewal process, but it is important to note that they are not affiliated with ALEA. In addition, they charge a transaction fee of $96 which is substantially higher than the actual ALEA fee for online renewals. It’s crucial to be aware of these discrepancies before using their services.
Renewing a standard driver’s license usually costs $36.25, providing a four-year renewal period. However, if you choose to renew online, there is an extra 4 percent charge. It is important to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of websites before engaging in any transactions related to critical documents like driver’s licenses.
It’s essential to be cautious when renewing your license through third-party websites. These fraudulent sites can have severe consequences, leaving you without a renewed license and losing your entire $96 fee. Moreover, the process is lengthy, taking four to six weeks for the renewed license to arrive. Unfortunately, most individuals only realize they’ve been scammed after the window for reporting fraudulent charges to banks has expired, making it an even more significant hassle.
But the threat doesn’t stop there. There’s a darker side to this issue. Although ALEA’s website only requires the last four digits of your social security number, these fraudulent third-party sites insist on the entire number. As a result, these fake sites can obtain your full legal name, address, and complete social security information, putting you at a significant risk of identity theft.
The websites of third-party applications are adept at presenting themselves as genuine, and they often work alongside search engines to secure high positions in search results. What’s worse is that they tend to levy extra fees or “upcharges” for their services. It’s crucial to understand that these autonomous third-party sites have no affiliation with ALEA whatsoever.
It’s essential to exercise caution and remain vigilant while utilizing online services to prevent falling prey to scams that can put your personal information and financial stability at risk. To ensure that you’re accessing ALEA’s official website, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
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