Your driver’s license contains personally identifiable information (PII) that criminals can use to commit identity theft. According to Identity Theft Resource CenterMore than 150 million US driver’s licenses were compromised from 2017 to 2021. For this reason, it’s a good idea to protect your driver’s license number from criminals.
Here are tips on how a driver’s license can be used for identity theft and how to help protect yourself.
How do I know if someone is using my driver’s license number?
When someone uses your driver’s license to commit identity theft, the warning signs don’t appear immediately. You can’t uncover fraud until you renew your license, do something suspicious on your credit report or do a background check, or contact the police. Here are some ways to proactively check if someone is using your driver’s license:
- Conduct a background check on yourself to check for suspicious activity.
- Check your credit report to see the incorrect information.
- Request your official driving records and review them for activities you don’t recognize
What can someone do with your driver’s license number?
Sell ​​your ID on the dark web
The Dark Web is the part of the Internet that cannot be accessed by traditional search engines. Criminals who obtain your driver’s license number can sell it to buyers on the dark web.
Driving license fraud
Criminals can use your driver’s license number to create fake driver’s licenses and other forms of ID, using your PII, including photos of themselves. This allows them to guess your identity during traffic violations, when evading the police and even when caught committing serious crimes. Such fraud can result in a tarnished driving record, incorrect tickets or arrest warrants, and serious legal or financial problems.
Create a synthetic identity
Artificial identity theft occurs when thieves access a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and combine it with other fabricated or stolen personal information, such as your driver’s license number, to forge a fictitious identity that appears legitimate. Solving synthetic identity theft can be challenging because it is difficult to uncover and track.
Commit identity theft
Fraudsters can use your driver’s license number to guess your identity and use it for financial gain. They can open bank accounts, apply for loans or credit cards, make unauthorized purchases, and engage in other forms of fraud using your name and PII.
Commit mail fraud
Criminals can use your driver’s license number to change your mailing address and reroute your mail to an address they control. This allows them to gain access to sensitive information including bank statements, credit card statements and other financial documents that they can use.
What to do if someone has your driver’s license number
Notify your local law enforcement agency
Contact law enforcement and file a police report if your driver’s license is stolen Keep a copy of the police report for your records, as you may need it later to contest fraud. Some states may require you to contact other government agencies, so make sure you comply with your state’s requirements for reporting a missing or stolen license.
Notify your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Notify the DMV so they can place a “Verify ID” flag on your driver’s license number, which alerts law enforcement that your license may be stolen if a criminal tries to use it. You should request a replacement license and copy of your driving record to see if any tickets or traffic violations have been issued in your name.
Place a fraud alert on your credit report
You can place a fraud alert on your credit report to warn creditors that your identity could be stolen if your SSN is used to apply for a line of credit. Contact a major credit bureau—Experian®, Equifax® or TransUnion®—to initiate a fraud alert (the bureau you contact will notify the other two). Creditors need to verify your complete identity before extending credit in your name.
Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
When you are a victim of identity theft, you can report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov or by calling 877-382-4357. You’ll receive an FTC report that can help you dispute any fraud.
Check your mailing address
The United States Postal Service (USPS) sends an official Change-of-Address (COA) validation letter whenever they receive a change of address request, which can alert you to someone committing fraud. You can contact USPS to find out if someone has changed your address. you can Dispute a fraudulent change of address order online Or by visiting your post office in person.
Run a background check on yourself
There are many reputable online background check companies that can provide you with comprehensive reports containing arrests, convictions, debt collections and warrants associated with your identity. If you find any false information in your background check, you must report it to the appropriate authorities and provide proof that fraud has occurred.
Review your Social Security statement for signs of fraud
You can check your Social Security statement online by opening an account with the Social Security Administration (SSA mails Social Security statements to workers age 60 and older once a year). Review the statement for undisclosed or unauthorized earnings, benefits, and other discrepancies. Report signs of fraud to the SSA immediately
Check your credit report and bank statements regularly
Regularly check your credit report and monitor your bank account, credit card and other financial account statements to ensure all transactions are valid and approved. If you notice any discrepancies or signs of fraudulent activity, report them immediately to the credit bureaus and financial institutions.
Scan the dark web to see if your driving license numbers are online
Dark web scans search the Internet for user PII, including driver’s license numbers, and alert the user when sensitive information is found. If a match is found, you must take immediate action to protect your identity and prevent further misuse of your information.
Consider getting identity theft protection
Identity theft protection provides an extra layer of security by monitoring your personal information for signs of fraud and criminal activity. IdentityIQ plans are designed to give you peace of mind with the following features:
- Identity protection that tracks your credit, SSN, mailing address and criminal record.
- Credit monitoring that alerts you to significant changes to your credit report and provides regular access to your credit report and credit score.
- Dark web monitoring that scours the dark web and alerts you whenever your PII is found.
- Identity theft insurance, underwritten by AIG, covers losses and out-of-pocket expenses resulting from identity theft.
- A team of identity recovery experts who create a custom response plan to restore your identity if you are a victim of identity theft.
- Anti-virus software and VPNs that keep you safe online.
IdentityIQ services can help you identify early warning signs of fraud, allowing you to take immediate action and minimize potential damage when someone uses your driver’s license to commit identity theft.
