Driver’s License Theft
Criminals want to get their hands on your driver’s license information. They do this by stealing the actual license, through fraudulent email, text messages or phone calls, through a data breach, or by purchasing the information on the dark web. Criminals can use the information found on a driver’s license to commit identity and financial theft and other types of fraud. A driver’s license contains very detailed information:
Full name
Date of birth
Address
Driver’s license number
Signature
Picture
Physical characteristics
This data is unique to you, describing and identifying who you are. This information combined with other personal information they have stolen through phishing or smishing attacks, data breaches, information gathered from social media accounts and other forms of theft can be used to build a detailed profile on you. With this they can commit crimes and illegal activities in your name.
Cybercriminals also sell this information on the dark web.
If Your Driver’s License is Stolen
Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Notify the DMV immediately. Once a thief has your driver’s license information, they can request a change of address and have your mail redirected to them. The DMV will issue you a new license.
Ask them to place a “verify ID” flag on your license. This alerts law enforcement that your license has been stolen.
Get a copy of your driving record and check it for any errors. The DMV can provide you with a copy.
File a Police Report
The police may not be able to recover your license but when you file a report it serves as evidence If your license is used for criminal purposes. This will help you dispute any fraud or credit discrepancies that show up in the future. Get a copy of the report and keep it for your records.
Freeze your Credit & Place a Fraud Alert on Your Accounts
If you have not already done so place a security freeze on your credit with the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Freezing your credit is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself.
Request a copy of your credit report from all three bureaus, you are entitled to a free annual copy from each one. Space them out as it can take some time for fraudulent activity to show up on your credit report. By spacing them out you can receive a copy of your report three times a year.
Go to https://www.annualcreditreport.com/ to get your reports.
File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
If you see signs of identity theft file a report with the FTC, https://www.identitytheft.gov/ they will help you create a personal recovery plan.
Contact the United States Postal Service (USPS)
Notify USPS that your license has been stolen, criminals can change your address, so mail is redirected to them. They can guide you on what steps to take to protect yourself. https://www.uspis.gov/
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery, this is a free service through the United States Postal Service that allows you to view greyscale images of the exterior, address side of letter-sized mail pieces and track packages in one convenient location. You can view notifications from any smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can sign up for a daily email that shows you the mail that will be delivered to you that day so you will know if something is missing. https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm
Check your Social Security Account
If you have not already signed up for “My Social Security Account” do so, this allows you to view your statements and watch for any signs of fraud. https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html
Monitor your Financial Accounts
Log into your bank, credit card and other financial accounts, look for anything unusual such as account activity, charges or purchases you do not recognize. Report any problems that are found. Setup account alerts so that you are notified when transactions and account changes take place. Sign up for electronic statements so that your financial information is not sent through the mail.
Change Passwords
After any kind of theft or compromising situation log into your accounts and change your passwords and security questions. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all of your accounts.
Protect Yourself from Driver’s License Theft
Secure It
Carry your driver’s license in a secure wallet or anti-theft bag. Don’t carry it in an outside pocket or leave it in your car. Some states now allow you to carry a digital copy of your driver’s license on your phone, if you have that option leave your original at home.
Show it Only When Necessary
Show it only when necessary and never leave it with another person. Don’t use your license as collateral, for example some car dealerships ask to hold your license when you test drive a car. Don’t do it, you don’t know what the person will do with your license. Don’t allow anyone to scan or make a copy of your license unless they are required by law to do so. Show your license only when necessary, for example when buying medicine, at airport security check points, to law enforcement, at the bank, or when voting. Never send anyone a picture of your driver’s license.
Use Safe Automated Renewal Options
Most states now offer the option to renew your license online through the BMV portal. When you sign up for online access be sure to use a strong password and multifactor authentication. Your license will be sent to you in the mail. Mailbox theft is a common occurrence, when you are expecting your driver’s license in the mail watch for it and remove it from your mailbox immediately. Consider installing a locking security mailbox to secure incoming and outgoing mail.
Request Your Driving Records Annually
This can be done at the DMV. Your driving record is a public record of your driving history. Offenses stay on your driving record for up to ten years. How long depends on the offense and the state you live. Your driving record includes:
Identifying information, name, address.
License number, classification, status, and expiration date.
Points, DUIs, fines, suspensions, and revocations.
Traffic violations, accidents, and convictions.
Review your records for any errors that may indicate someone else is using your license.
Freeze Your Credit
Place a security freeze on your credit. This is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent someone from opening lines of credit or new accounts in your name. This can be done online at the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.
The Tech Minimalist 