Identity theft and identity fraud are two of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Identity theft and fraud occur when someone gains access to another person's personal information, such as a driver license number, and uses the information to commit fraud.
DMV Investigator's conduct timely investigations to help the consumer recover from such criminal activity.
Report DL/ID Card Number Misuse—If you discover that you have become a victim of DL or ID card fraud, immediately contact your local DMV to report the misuse. For an appointment call 1-800-777-0133 or you can make an appointment on-line at: www.dmv.ca.gov
At the office, be prepared to:
Submit proof of your identity. Your California DL or ID is sufficient. If you do not have your California DL/ID, you may obtain a list of additional acceptable documents by calling 1-800-777-0133.
Complete a statement describing the facts of the fraud.
Submit a copy of the police report or a written explanation of why a report was not filed.
Submit copies of canceled checks, bills, or letters from companies or banks to substantiate the fraud.
The department will revoke the driving privilege of any driver involved in fraudulent driver license activity, whether or not it is related to traffic safety, if there is evidence to support a department action. Traffic safety may be directly impacted when issuance of a fraudulent license allows a driver to circumvent sanctions against the driving privilege or when a fraudulent license is secured by an unqualified person.
The department conducts an investigation and may take action against the driving privilege when information concerning fraudulent activity is received from law enforcement and other governmental agencies, health care professionals, private businesses and individuals. The department reviews photos, thumbprints, application documents, legal presence documents, and driver license exam documents for evidence of fraud.
To file a complaint with DMV Investigations, you may download a complaint from:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/consumer/invest/inv172.htm
For general information about the DMV information go to the DMV website:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
DMV Spanish website
http://es.dmv.ca.gov/
If you are a victim of ID Theft, these websites may be helpful:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/consumer/fraud.htm
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/index.html
http://caag.state.ca.us/idtheft/index.htm
A victim of ID Theft should register with the California Attorney General. Go to this website for information:
http://caag.state.ca.us/idtheft/general.htm
If you want to file a complaint against a licensee, such as a car dealer, you may obtain a form from DMV at:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/inv/inv172a.htm
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/forms.htm
ID Theft:
http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html
http://www.privacy.ca.gov/
How to file a Small Claims Court Action
Used Car Purchasing Advise:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/ucartip.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/vehfine.htm
FTC Facts for Consumers
Privacy Rights Clearing House:
http://www.privacyrights.org/
