Identity Theft
Identity theft is the process of someone taking the personal information that is assigned to one individual and using it as if it was their own. Sometimes identity theft can be hard to track and therefore, being prepared with preventative measures for it is better than it happening. Identity Theft commonly occurs through the use of credit cards, where a lot of money is stolen from the individual of which the identity has been stolen. In this case, people should be checking that they are using bank services that are equipped to help them if this unfortunate situation were to happen. Social Security numbers are often targeted by identity thieves too, as they are the gateway to so much information and potential benefits. Should your social security number fall into the wrong hands, you should get in contact with the closest Kansas Social Security office locations to you, or the closest office in your state, who will be able to assist you with getting a replacement number to prevent any serious damage being done to your finances. Unfortunately, identity theft-related crimes are rising and therefore the need for protection is a growing concern amongst individuals and officials.
Facial-Recognition Technology Key to Identifying Suspects
PHOENIX – Expertise and facial-recognition technology employed by Arizona Department of Transportation detectives safeguard the personal information of not only Arizonans but those in other states who are targeted by identity thieves here.
Two cases brought by ADOT’s Office of Inspector General highlight these efforts:
In September, detectives investigating fraud involving a motor vehicle record found that Robert Chalue of Surprise had been using the identity of a Maine resident for more than 15 years, resulting in the victim facing credit problems and traffic tickets that weren’t his. The investigation led detectives to Chalue’s home, where they apprehended him along with several identifying documents belonging to the victim. Chalue is facing multiple counts of forgery and identity theft. To give Chalue, and anyone else who has been accused of identity theft the best chance at getting a reduced sentence, he may need to enlist the help of a professional criminal attorney in his area who will be able to give the relevant help and support. But Chalue is not the only person to be accused of this crime.
In June, ADOT detectives determined that Terry Lee Rice of Phoenix stole the identity of a Georgia man and used it to obtain an Arizona identification card. Their investigation found that Rice used the stolen identity for years to hide from violent crimes committed in Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida, where he faced an extraditable felony warrant. With the help of the Phoenix Police Department, ADOT detectives located Rice, who was booked for the felony warrant plus six additional felony counts related to fraudulently obtaining the Arizona credential.
Facial-recognition technology allows checks against customer records in the state’s driver license database, preventing fraudulent attempts to obtain driver licenses or identification cards. In addition to the work by ADOT detectives, customer service representatives in ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division are trained to detect forgery and fraud when they perform the first checks for discrepancies in application packets.
At least seven of the dozens of identity-theft cases brought this year by ADOT detectives have involved victims beyond Arizona. The severity of matters involving identity theft is why people tend to make Lifelock plans as early as possible in order to protect them from the potentially traumatic effects of fraud and identity theft.
“We know the value of keeping your identity intact, so we take identity theft seriously,” said Michael Lockhart, chief of ADOT’s Office of Inspector General. “Facial-recognition technology helps our detectives take identity thieves off the street and keep the identities of residents of Arizona and other states safe.”
ADOT’s Office of Inspector General investigates fraud involving driver license and identification card applications; vehicle sales by licensed and unlicensed dealers; and vehicle titles and registration. It also assists state, local and federal law enforcement agencies with investigations.
For more information, please visit azdot.gov.