Identity theft and identity fraud are two of the fastest growing crimes in the United States (U.S). These crimes occur when someone uses a person’s identifying information, (such as, driver’s license (DL)/identification (ID) card number, birthdate, and/or social security number [SSN], without authority, to commit fraud. This brochure provides identity theft victims with important information and resources.
DL and ID cards are the primary means of identification in California, making them targets for identity fraud. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is doing everything possible to protect your identity.
Disclaimer: This brochure is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or as the policy for the California Department of Motor Vehicles. If you want advice on a particular case, contact an attorney or other expert.
What if Identity Theft/Fraud Happens to You?
- File a report with your local law enforcement. Keep a copy of the report.
- Keep a log of all conversations related to your identity fraud case, and be sure to include:
- Dates
- Names of people you talked to
- Telephone numbers of the agencies you called
- The time you spent on each conversation
- Expenses incurred
- Follow-up on important conversations in writing.
- Send correspondence by certified mail, return receipt requested.
- Keep copies of all letters and documents.
- Contact all creditors and banking institutions.
Credit Bureaus
Immediately call the fraud units of each of the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — to report the theft or loss of your credit card(s).
Equifax:
PO Box 740241
Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
- Report fraud: Call 1-800-525-6285 and write to the above address.
- Order credit reports: 1-800-685-1111
Experian:
PO Box 4500
Allen, TX 75013-0949
- Report fraud: Call 1-888-397-3742 and write to the above address.
- Order credit reports: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion:
PO Box 1000
Chester, PA 19016
- Report fraud: Call 1-800-680-7289 and write to:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division,
PO Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834.
- Order credit reports: 1-800-916-8800
Fraud Alerts
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can ask the credit bureaus to/for:
- Have your account flagged with a “fraud alert” and place a victim’s statement in your file requiring creditors to call you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing account.
- The names and telephone numbers of creditors if any fraudulent account(s) have been opened.
- Remove fraudulent entries from your credit report.
- Notify those entities that received your credit report in the last six months to alert them of any disputed or erroneous information.
By law, victims of identity fraud are entitled to a free credit report once every 12 months.
How to Stop Further Identity Theft and Fraud
Banks/Financial Institutions
If your checks are stolen or bank accounts are set up fraudulently in your name, report the fraudulent activity to the check verification companies (see the end of this brochure for names and telephone numbers). Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you did not write. Close your checking and savings accounts and open new accounts. If possible, give the bank a password for your account, other than your mother’s maiden name.
ATM Cards
If your ATM card has been stolen or compromised, request a new card, account number, and password. Do not use your
old password. When you create a new password, do not use numbers that are readily available, such as the last four digits of
your social security number or your birth date.
If your ATM card was stolen or compromised, request a new card, account number, and password. Do not use your old password. When you create a new password, do not use numbers that are readily available, such as the last four digits of your social security number or birth date.
Fraudulent Change of Address
Notify your local postal inspector if you suspect that someone has changed your address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud. Contact your local postmaster to have your mail sent to the correct address. Tell your mail carrier about the issue.
SSN Misuse
Call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-269-0271 to report the fraudulent use of your SSN.
Passports
If your passport is lost or stolen, notify the U.S. Department of State by completing a Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport (DS 64) form. This form is available at your local post office or may be obtained at state.gov.
Telephone Service/Company
Immediately notify your telephone company if you discover fraudulent charges on your bill.
DL/ID Card Theft/Fraud
To report a complaint, go to Filing a Complaint for Unlawful Activities at dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/dmv-complaints-ffinv-1/ and for more information on reporting unlawful activities see Fast Facts 1 DMV Complaints (FFINV 1) at dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/04/ffinv1.pdf.
Report DL/ID Card Number Misuse
If you discover that you have become a victim of DL or ID card fraud, immediately contact DMV to report the misuse. Call 1-800-777-0133 for an appointment.
At the time of your appointment, you will need to:
Submit proof of your identity. Your California DL or ID card is sufficient. If you do not have your California DL/ID card, you may obtain a list of additional acceptable documents by searching for FFDL 5 at dmv.ca.gov or calling 1-800-777-0133.
- Complete a statement describing the facts of the fraud.
- Submit a copy of the law enforcement report or a written explanation of why a report was not filed.
- Submit copies of cancelled checks, bills, or letters from companies or banks to substantiate the fraud.
Legal Issues and Remedies
False Civil and Criminal Judgments
Sometimes, victims of identity theft and fraud are wrongfully accused of crimes committed by another person(s). If a civil judgment has been entered in your name for actions taken by others, contact the court where the judgment was entered and report that you are a victim of identity theft or fraud. If you are wrongfully prosecuted for criminal charges, contact the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Ask for information on how to clear your name.
Legal Help
You may want to consult an attorney concerning any legal action necessary for your case.
Remove Your Telephone Number from Telemarketing Lists
Register with the Federal Trade Commission(FTC)’s National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov or 1-888-382-1222.
Remove Your Name from Prescreened Credit Offers
If you would like to reduce the number of prescreened credit and insurance offers you receive, visit optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5OptOut (1-888-567-8688).
Remove Your Name from Mailing Lists
You can remove your name from individual organization lists. Visit Direct Marketing Association’s website at dmachoice.org. Register online or download and mail the form to:
Mail Preference Association
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
Report Fraudulent Use of Your Checks
Call:
- Your banking institution
- Certegy, Inc. 1-800-437-5120
- Chexsystems 1-800-428-9623
- SCAN 1-800-262-7771
- Telecheck 1-800-710-9898
Other Useful Resources
The FTC website provides resources to educate consumers about the crime of identity theft and information, publications, and tools to learn how to avoid identity theft and what to do if your identity is stolen. To request publications, contact FTC at ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Websites
You may obtain additional information about identity theft and fraud at the following websites:
Department of Justice:
usdoj.gov
Federal Trade Commission:
ftc.gov
Identity Theft Resource Center:
idtheftcenter.org
Federal Communications Commission:
fcc.gov
Internal Revenue Service:
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft
Social Security Administration:
ssa.gov
U.S. Postal Inspection Service:
usps.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Center:
ic3.gov
The addresses, telephone numbers, and websites in this brochure are correct as of the printing date. They are subject to change without notice.
FFDL 25 (REV. 11/2024) WWW