There is a new theft scheme out there that targets your driver license and online Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) accounts.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety issued a warning Tuesday about what it is calling a sophisticated identity theft scheme. It targets drivers everywhere and here in Ohio.
First discovered in Texas, the scheme involves the use of stolen personal information to answer online BMV security questions and gain access to accounts. Once inside the accounts, the thieves request a driver license or ID card reprint to be mailed to a new address.
Thousands of unauthorized replacement driver licenses were sent out using stolen personal information in Texas. In Ohio, the BMV has contacted around 90 Ohioans whose stolen information was used to obtain or attempt to obtain a driver license reprint. It is unknown where the criminals got the stolen personal information.
No State of Ohio system was breached, and investigators don’t know where the thieves got the victims’ personal information to access those accounts, officials explained.
“This scheme is incredibly concerning, not only because criminals are ordering up legitimate driver’s licenses but because they can use these cards and the stolen personal information to potentially access your bank account,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson. “If you receive a postcard from the Ohio BMV telling you about an address change that you did not request, it’s important that you immediately take action.”
The fraud has been reported to all state and federal authorities and additional resources have been devoted to monitoring the criminal activity. Because of that, it’s unlikely that any more fraudulent requests will be fulfilled; however, if you receive a postcard from the BMV notifying you of online profile changes that you did not request, you should immediately contact the BMV at 1-(844)-644-6268 and file a report with your local police. It is also recommended that you change answers to your online security questions and place an initial fraud alert on your credit file if you receive a postcard from the BMV notifying you of online profile changes that you did not request.
More information on steps to take if your identity is stolen can be accessed via the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.