CLEVELAND — The Ohio Department of Public Safety issued a warning on Tuesday about an identify theft scheme affecting people in Ohio and the rest of the U.S.
ODPS said the scheme involves stealing personal information to answer online Bureau of Motor Vehicles security questions. The scammer then gains access to that individual’s BMV account, and can request a reprint of a driver’s license or identification card that can be mailed to a different address.
According to ODPS, unauthorized parties received thousands of replacement driver’s licenses with stolen personal information in Texas. Around 90 Ohioans had their information stolen so far. Officials said it’s unknown how scammers acquired personal information, and no State of Ohio systems have been breached.
“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.”
ODPS said if an Ohioan receives a postcard from the BMV about online profile changes that weren’t made on behalf of the account holder, they should immediately contact the BMV at 1-(844)-644-6268. It’s also encouraged to file a report with local law enforcement, change answers to security questions and place a fraud alert on credit files.
For more on what to do if your identity has been stolen, click here.
