Driver’s License Identity Theft

This may be the easiest form of ID theft to commit. Your purse/wallet gets stolen, and your driver’s license gets sold to someone who looks like you. Then it’s easy for them to get other forms of ID in your name. This type of ID theft spreads to others, especially criminal identity theft.

Imagine this. You lose your wallet and just your drivers’ license and you don’t get it on record by reporting it to the proper authorities. Then someone who’s of body size and shape is similar to yours robs a liquor store, kill the clerk, and accidentally drop your driver’s license on the floor of that establishment?

Are you now worried about loosing your drivers license? There is no need to worry since your information is already out there and there is nothing you can do about it. Many institutions currently have this and a lot more of your other personal information in there records. Have you ever had a job? It’s out there! Have you ever filled out an loan application? It’s out there! and the list goes on…

As a matter of fact. If people really want to steal your identity, all they have to do is visit a wide verity of websites that will make them whoever they want to be including YOU!

Here’s an Example of a website: “Are bill collectors driving you crazy? Alimony payments stealing your whole paycheck? Are people looking for you? Is your credit rating laughable? You need a new identity – a new past and a brighter future! A new identity allows you to get a new past, a new name, driver’s license and ID, social security number, address and phone number (anywhere in the world), a college degree and ID and documentation to back it all up! Have anyone believe that you’re in the heart of Paris, when you’re right around the corner. Obtain a CLEAN SLATE of credit, break with your past and relax anywhere in the world. The rest is up to you.”

Just type in Google “Fake Id’s”, “Fake Documents” or what the heck, visit http://lostids.com to scare the hell out of you!

Ok, let’s get back to the Drivers License Identity Theft.

Though all types of identity theft are on the rise, there is no need for you to become the next victim. Just as you would guard your Social Security card, a driver’s license should be protected in the same manner.

In many instances, there may be individuals who request that you leave a driver’s license with them. This is typically the case when you are test driving a car or apartment shopping. Your driver’s license should never be used as a form of collateral or security deposit. Also keep in mind that a respectable sales person will usually not make this type of request. Don’t be afraid to test them – tell them that you’re not comfortable leaving your license because a friend was victimized by identity theft. The resulting action or response may determine the legitimacy of their efforts.

Individuals should certainly take advantage of technology in the many automated renewal options. This enables them to easily renew a driver’s license via telephone, mail or internet. It is also a good idea to destroy an old license upon receiving the replacement by mail to keep others from intercepting it and stealing your identity.

Copies of your driving record can usually be purchased for minimal fee. This will detail any tickets that have not been issued directly to you, as well as any other fraudulent behavior.

You should also remember this: just because an individual or business asks for your license, it does not mean you have to oblige. Try your luck by asking for other options of validation and see what the response is. In most cases, there are really few legitimate reasons for someone to keep possession of your driver’s license while you’re both in separate locations.

Anyone can be a victim of identity theft. Being careless with a driver’s license is a path that leads directly to it. Your license should be guarded at all times to keep your personal information secure. While you may not realize it, the information your driver’s license contains can prove just as beneficial in the process of identity theft as the information obtained from a Social Security number or credit card.

Reporting Driver’s License Identity Theft

Being fully aware of the dangers concerning driver’s license identity theft, many agencies have established support systems for reporting suspected criminal activity. They typically require a victim to include a name, date of birth, driver’s license number and contact information. The system may also require details concerning the suspect or any information regarding the identity theft situation.