Pennsylvania hunters and anglers should watch out for fraudulent licensing websites, state officials say.
The Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission said those who use third-party sites are wasting their money and risking identity fraud by providing personal information, including social security numbers.
Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau recommended getting a license in person, for those wary of the scam websites.
“I’ve not yet heard a report of a phony physical operation, so anybody going to a license issuing agent to physically purchase their license is going to be in good shape,” Lau said.
Sporting goods stores, gun shops, and big box stores act as retail license issuing agents.
Lau said the scam websites can be hard to spot because the fake websites are designed to look like the real thing.
He said one tip that a site is a fraud is inflated prices.
“Make sure that you come into that license vending site, which is called The Outdoor Shop, through the Game Commission’s website,” Lau said.
The Outdoor Shop website serves both hunters and anglers.
A hunting license for a Pennsylvania resident is $20.90. A fishing license is $22.90.
