SCAM ALERT:  Do not renew your vehicle over the telephone
May 9, 2014
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is warning of a recent telephone scam involving vehicle-registration renewals and reminds its customers that renewal notifications are made only by mail.

ITD has received complaints from concerned citizens of a caller claiming to be from the department, advising that their vehicle registration needs to be renewed.

“Be aware that ITD does not make calls to renew vehicle registrations by telephone,” said Amy Smith, ITD vehicle services manager. “Citizens can renew their vehicle registration at their local Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office, by mail or online through ITD’s official website, www.itd.idaho.gov, and then click on DMV.”

Smith said customers will receive a renewal notice in the mail approximately two months before their registration expires. That notice has a personal identification number (PIN) that the customer will need to renew a vehicle registration online.

Smith also warned about unofficial websites that offer to help customers with online vehicle registrations.

“Do not use any services that pop up on your browser claiming to help you with registration because they will charge you an extra fee,” she said. “That is why it is so important to use ITD’s official website when conducting DMV-related transactions.”

Citizens are reminded that any website that does not include “Idaho.gov” is not affiliated with the state of Idaho.

“Do not give your credit card number over the telephone to places you are not familiar with. ITD does not make unsolicited phone calls seeking personal information,” Smith said.

Individuals who believe they are victims of identity theft are urged to contact the Idaho Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division at (208) 334-2424 or toll free at (800) 432-3545.