Press Release - 01-05-2016

DMV News 

 

Contact:
Joe Morrissey    [email protected]
Casey McNulty  [email protected]
(518) 473-7000

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 5, 2016

 

NEW YORK STATE DMV WARNS OF ID THEFT RISK FROM POSTING DRIVER LICENSE IMAGES TO SOCIAL MEDIA
With Proliferation of Social Media and Information Sharing, People Put Themselves at Risk of Fraud and Financial Problems Showing Off New Permits and Driver Licenses

 

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today warned drivers of the risk of identity theft from posting images of their newly-obtained permits and driver licenses on social media, particularly popular among young adults. 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.

 

“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. “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.”

 

About six percent of identity theft victims are 19 years old and younger, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but posting photos of IDs on social media is just one way teens and young adults can get into financial trouble down the road. In August, Governor Cuomo issued a warning to college students that purchasing fake IDs and false identification documents increases the chances of becoming a victim of identity fraud.

 

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. Identity theft topped the FTC’s national ranking of consumer complaints for the 15th consecutive year in 2014.

 

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 you believe that your identity has been stolen or your private information compromised, DFI suggests that you do the following:

  • File a report with the local law enforcement agency.
  • Notify your bank, your financial institutions, creditors, and each of the three major credit bureaus that your identification documents have been lost or stolen.
  • Periodically obtain and review a copy of your credit report.
  • 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.) about matters of which you have no knowledge.
  • Maintain a journal to record information.
  • Keep copies of all police reports and correspondence concerning this matter.
  • Contact the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft HOT LINE (877) 438-4338 or by clicking here.

 

Motorists should also monitor their driving record periodically for any unauthorized transactions by ordering an abstract at their local DMV office.

 

About DMV
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a national leader in providing efficient, innovative, and responsive government services. The agency issues secure identity documents, delivers essential motor vehicle and driver related services, and administers motor vehicle laws enacted to promote safety and protect consumers. For more information, visit dmv.ny.gov, “like” DMV on Facebook, or follow @nysdmv on Twitter.

 

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