Driver's License Identity Theft

A Driver's License carries enough personal information to serve as identification for a thief.  This is a tremendous liability as it is the most widely used for of identification.  Widely used in airports, check cashing stores, etc. - an ID Thief would only need to alter the picture.

In Florida, personal information such as a Driver's License is available to the public. 

However, access to that personal information is limited.  While the Department of Motor Vehicles of Florida states that public information on Driver's License Records is blocked, a Request to Withhold Personal Information Form is available. This ensures that private information is not available to the eyes of the public.

So, who are the public eyes that are privy to such information?  Limited access means that accredited entities will have access to Driver's License information, including:

• Any Agency with Written Consent
• Auto Manufacturers (during a recall)
• Commercial Driving Lines
• Employers for Verification
• Government Agencies
• Insurance Agencies
• Private Investigators
• Towing Companies

Driver's License Identity Theft Risks
Once a thief has access to the private information contained on a Driver's License, there are many possibilities for it to be abused. 

The risks of Driver's License Identity Theft are real, time-consuming and stressful.

Case Example: In the Southern District of Florida, a woman obtained a fraudulent Driver's License in the name of a victim and proceeded to withdraw $13,000 from the victim's bank, obtained 5 department store credit cards in the victim's name and charged around $4,000 on those cards. 

She was indicted and pleaded guilty to federal charges.

The damage a Driver's License thief can create includes:

• Present Counterfeit Immigration Documents
• Present a Legitimate Birth Certificate of Another Person.
• Apply for a Job with Another Person's Name.
• Give the name to the police during an arrest. If a court date is set and the thief doesn't show up for their court date - an arrest warrant could be issued in your name.

Driver's License Identity Theft Protection
Protecting your identity from theft and fraud begins with your daily routine.  Following a few simple steps can truly offer ID Theft Protection of your Driver's License.  Here's how:

• Remove your name from marketing lists of Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  Doing so will limit the amount of pre-approved credit offers that are delivered by mail.  This can be done by:
  
  o Phone: 888-5OPTOUT
  o Internet: www.optoutprescreen.com
• Remove your name on the lists for national telemarketers by signing up for the FTC's 'Do Not Call Registry' as well as your state's registry:
  
  o National 'Do Not Call Registry': www.donotcall.gov, (888) 382-1222
  o FTC's 'Do Not Call' FAQ: www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/dncalrt.htm
• For a $1 fee, your name will be added to the Direct Marketing Association's 'Mail Preference Service' to eradicate national marketers from contacting your:
  
  o Mail ($1 Check, Money Order): Mail Preference Service, PO Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512
  o Online ($1 fee): www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist
• Remove your name and address from the phone book and directory.  Learn more at:
  
  o www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs4-junk.htm
• Do not include your financial information during the sale/sharing of banks, credit cards, companies or investment firms.  Learn more:
  
  o www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs24-finpriv.htm

Driver's License Identity Theft Prevention
Identification, such as a Driver's License, is carried virtually everywhere as we travel and move throughout the day.

That makes us a walking target.  We carry such personal information in/on our:

• Glove Compartment
• Mailbox
• Person
• Wallet or Purse

Take the following steps towards preventing this type of Identity Theft from happening to you:

• Purchase your Driving Record annually to review for fraudulent activity.
• Shred all financial and personal information.
• Do not use your Date of Birth or mother's maiden name for passwords, verifications or PINs.

Victims of Driver's License Identity Theft
When you have become a victim of Drivers License Identity Theft, we can help.

If you believe you are a victim of Driver's License ID Fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission:

• Internet: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft
• Telephone: 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)
• TTY: 1-866-653-4261
• Mail: Consumer Response Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.

Other options for Driver's License ID Theft Protection include:

• First - make a police report by contacting your local law enforcement agency.
• You may be able to obtain a report from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Place a "Verify ID Flag" placed to your driving record.
• If you suspect improper use of your Identification with Tax Violations: Contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-0433.
• If you suspect improper use of your Identification with Social Security: Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-269-0271.

Contact a CITRMS Professional today to protect your business from Driver's License Identity Theft.