Rogers-Lowell Area News

ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERT: Don’t Get Taken for a Ride by Imposter Car Renewal Websites

Arkansans are required to annually renew license plate registrations, which can be accomplished online at mydmv.arkansas.gov. Some online companies, however, have created services that may mislead consumers into purchasing material they do not need. This problem occurs when a consumer conducts an internet search and clicks on results for a website that appears to be the Arkansas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) but is instead an unrelated site that directs consumers to purchase a registration renewal how-to pamphlet and not a registration renewal. If consumers fall victim to this problem, then consumers run the risk of failing to renew their tags by the deadline and spending money unnecessarily.

“Using any site except the legitimate government one ending in dot G-O-V will result in lost time and money,” said Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “At the time of renewal, the DMV mails a reminder letter which includes the correct web address to complete the registration purchase online.”

Attorney General Rutledge released to following tips to ensure safety while making purchases online.
• Avoid using an internet search to find the DMV’s site, and instead type mydmv.arkansas.gov directly on the URL at the top of the page.
• When submitting purchase information, look for the “lock” icon on the browser’s status bar, and the phrase “https” in the URL address for a website to be sure information is secure during transmission.
• Use a secure browser—software that encrypts or scrambles the purchase information you send over the Internet—to help guard the security of your information as it is transmitted to a website. Be sure your browser has the most up-to-date encryption capabilities by using the latest version available from the manufacturer.
• Check the site’s privacy policy before providing any personal financial information and determine how the information will be used or shared with others. Also check the site’s statements about the security provided for your information. Some websites’ disclosures are easier to find than others—look at the bottom of the home page, on order forms or in the “About” or “FAQs” section of a site.
• Review monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized purchases promptly and thoroughly. Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your credit or debit card or checkbook is lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.
• Search for the words “official website” and try to avoid clicking on “ads”
• The misleading websites will often have an attention pop-up on the front page stating that they are not affiliated with any government agency.

For more information and tips to avoid scams and other consumer-related issues, contact the Arkansas Attorney General’s office at (800) 482-8982 or consumer@arkansasag.gov or visit ArkansasAG.gov or facebook.com/AGLeslieRutledge.