While a teen sharing a photo of themselves behind the wheel with their new license to drive may seem harmless, the state is warning that it can put individuals at risk for identity theft.
http://liarcatchers.com/identity_theft_investigation.html
The state is warning drivers, particularly teens, to be conscious of what they post on social media websites, specifically regarding photos of their newly-obtained permits and driver licenses.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued a warning to drivers about the risk of identity theft from posting images of their permits and licenses. It said that the sensitive information on DMV identification documents, including a driver address, date of birth, and signature, make it easy for any social media user to steal a victim’s identity. “This, in turn, can result in a lifetime of compromised credit and financial ruin,” the warning read.
“Passing a driver’s test is a very exciting time in a young person’s life and DMV understands why teens are excited to show off their permits and licenses,” said DMV executive deputy commissioner Terri Egan in the release. “Just don’t make your personal information public in the process. Having your identity stolen and your privacy compromised is not a good way to celebrate getting your driver license.”
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a non-profit organization founded to provide victim assistance and consumer education, victims whose identity is compromised from driver license information most often discover trouble when they find unexplained traffic violations appearing on their driving records.
Motorists who have evidence that another person has a driver license, registration document, or title certificate in their name, or evidence that another person used their identity and DMV ID number for fraudulent purposes, should request a Report for Unauthorized Use form (FI-17) from a DMV call center or a DMV office.
Evidence can include traffic tickets, forged personal checks or documents that contain the DMV ID number from the motorist’s driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID. DMV’s Division of Field Investigation (DFI) will acknowledge receipt of the report and determine if there has been any license activity under the motorist’s name in New York state.
If someone believes their identity has been stolen or their private information has been compromised, DFI suggests filing a report with the local law enforcement agency and notifying all banks, financial institutions, creditors, and each of the three major credit bureaus that their identification documents have been lost or stolen.
DFI also advises to periodically obtain and review a copy of your credit report, maintain a journal to record information, keep copies of all police reports and correspondence concerning this matter and be alert for indications that someone may be using your identity such as receiving mailings from government agencies (such as DMV suspension notices) or suspicious contacts (phone calls from retail outlets granting “instant credit,” etc.).
Victims can also contact the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft hotline at (877) 438-4338.
Additionally, motorists can monitor their driving record periodically for any unauthorized transactions by ordering an abstract at their local DMV office.
