IDOT cautions public to be aware of text, email scams

The Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT, is reminding the public to be on the alert for text and email scams asking for personal information. 

In recent weeks, IDOT has been made aware of messages sent fraudulently on its behalf, attempting to defraud the public.

“If you receive a text or email that appears to be from IDOT asking for your personal information, you can be sure it’s a scam,” said IDOT Secretary Omer Osman. 

“Please know that we are aware of this issue and are working with the Illinois attorney general’s office to protect you from these fraudulent schemes.”

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

If you receive such a message, delete it. Do not provide any information or click any links. Doing so could install malware on your device or computer.

To protect personal information, state officials encourage some precautions.

Delete unsolicited emails and texts requesting personal information or promising state driver’s licenses or IDs. Do not click on any links contained in such emails or texts, as they may place malware on your computer or devices.

Hang up on any calls, including robocalls, that ask you to take immediate action or provide personally identifiable information. 

Ask to use other types of identifiers besides your Social Security number. 

Keep your software up to date, including operating systems and antivirus protection programs on your computer, phone and other devices. Most can be set to update automatically.

Those who have questions about phishing scams or identity theft can call the Illinois attorney general’s Consumer Fraud Hotline in Carbondale at 800-243-0607 (TTY: 877-675-9339). Spanish speakers can call 866-310-8398.