Avoid DWI and Drug Class Scams in Texas: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Pay

Scammers are preying on people who need court-mandated DWI/DUI classes, taking their money and disappearing. Too many Texans are falling for fake providers who aren’t licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). If you’re searching for a legitimate, court-approved DWI class, here’s how to protect yourself from fraud

Don’t get scammed—ask these five critical questions before you pay!

1. Verify Their TDLR License

In Texas, all DWI education providers must be licensed by TDLR. Before you pay, check their credentials directly on the TDLR website. If they aren’t listed, they aren’t legit—and your class might not even count for court requirements.

2. Speak to a Real Person

Scammers hide behind emails, fake numbers, and chatbot responses. If a company won’t let you talk to a real human before you sign up, that’s a huge red flag. A trustworthy provider should have a direct phone number, a physical address, and real people available to answer questions.

3. Check Their Google Reviews (And Read Between the Lines)

A real, established business should have:

✅ A significant number of Google Reviews (not just a handful)
✅ Reviews that go back several years
✅ Detailed, authentic feedback—not just vague five-star ratings

🚨 Red flags: Be cautious if a company has:

❌ Less than ten reviews
❌ All their reviews were posted in the last few months
❌ Short, generic reviews like “Great class!” or “Loved it!”

If the reviews look too perfect or too new, it’s possible they were bought or faked. Always check how long they’ve been in business and whether people mention good customer service, reliable classes, and refund policies.

4. Look for a Transparent Class Calendar

Legitimate providers have a clear, updated schedule with class dates and times. If a provider can’t show you a calendar upfront, that’s a sign they might not actually be running real classes.

5. Understand Their Refund & Cancellation Policy

What happens if they cancel a class? Scam operations take your money and disappear. A legit provider will have a written refund policy that clearly explains:

What happens if a class is canceled
If and how you can get your money back
Whether they offer class rescheduling options

Before you book, make sure their refund policy is clearly stated on their website—and don’t just take their word for it!

Final Thoughts: Don’t Get Scammed!

For 30 years, Alamo Center, a TDLR-certified nonprofit, has successfully served Texans with trusted, court-approved DWI and drug education classes.

✅ Licensed by TDLR
✅ Nonprofit organization—30 years of proven service
✅ Hundreds of real Google Reviews
✅ Clear class schedules and refund policies

Sign up today at www.alamocenter.org or call 210-824-5537 and avoid getting scammed!

John Mejia is the owner and educational director for all court ordered classes. A San Antonio native, he received a BS and MS in Educational Counseling and Guidance under the G.I.Bill. He has been a public school teacher, coach, and school counselor for a combined 16 years.