DMV ALERT: Fake ID’s fueling identity theft crisis

New York officials from the DMV claim that a popularity surge with fake ID’s has also fueled an identity theft crisis.

The warning comes as more than 300 young people were cited during summer concerts for attempting to buy alcohol with fake IDs during DMV’s annual Operation Prevent enforcement detail.

“Buying a fake ID online is an invitation to have your identity stolen and to put your future in jeopardy,” warned New York’s DMV Commissioner, Mark Schroeder.

According to officials, studies show that 32.2 percent of college students have admitted to owning a fake ID, which they ordered online.

The DMV says that young people purchasing fake IDs often do not realize they are sending their personal information to criminals, who plan to sell the buyer’s personal data on the black market, or use it to commit other crimes.

The sellers of fake IDs are often located out of the country, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them down.

Counterfeit IDs are used to establish false identities, enable white collar and organized crime, conduct online financial fraud, support hijacking of shipments, establish shell companies and accounts, and enable physical check fraud.

NYS DMV image.