Virginia Expands ID Theft Passport Program
Governor Bob McDonnell announced today the expansion of the Identity Theft Passport program through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
Individuals who are victims of identity theft may obtain and submit Identity Theft Passport applications at any of DMV’s 74 customer service centers statewide.
Virginia rates fifteenth in the nation for identity theft complaints per capita.
As Attorney General, McDonnell championed the Identity Theft Passport to provide victims with a document that, if needed, would signal to law enforcement that the individual had been a victim of identity theft.
Governor McDonnell pledged to expand the program during his campaign for governor last year. Since the program began in 2002, 1,500 citizens have applied for these passports.
For more information from the Attorney General’s office please contact Brian Gottstein at 804-786-5874.
Speaking about the expansion, Governor McDonnell stated, “Unfortunately, identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in Virginia. To aid victims, we are providing convenient access to the protections they need after such a devastating loss. I will continue to work to find ways to combat this crime and ensure that the citizens of the Commonwealth, and their identities, are secure.”
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli added, “Our partnership with the DMV to process identity theft applications submitted through their offices is just another way to help expedite the process of helping victims recover from identity theft. Identity theft is a significant problem for Virginians, and I am delighted to be working with the governor and the DMV to come up with significant solutions.”
Virginians who believe they may be the victim of identity theft can complete an application at any DMV office. They will be given a receipt acknowledging that the application was submitted.
DMV staff will then forward applications to the Office of the Attorney General which administers the Identity Theft Passport program along with Virginia State Police.
The customer will be contacted by a representative in the Office of the Attorney General to process the application and provide assistance.
The following tips can help you avoid falling prey to identity theft:
- Keep your credit cards secure.
- Don’t store credit cards in your car.
- Carefully examine your monthly statements for unauthorized charges.
- Analyze your credit report at least once per year.
- Shred documents which contain personal information.
The best protection against identity theft is for consumers to be informed about how it occurs, how the thieves use their information, and what steps to take to clear their names, should they become victims.
To assist in that effort, the attorney general’s office has published a booklet, “How to Avoid Identity Theft – A Guide for Victims of Identity Theft,” which is available through the attorney general’s website at www.vaag.com or by calling his office at 800-370-0479.
Topics: 2010, America, applications, business, crime, customer service centers, DMV, economic development, economic growth, Economy, Governance, government, Governor Bob McDonnell, How to Avoid Identity Theft – A Guide for Victims of Identity Theft, id theft, identity theft, Identity Theft Passport, investment, law enforcement, moniter, monitor, news, newsm, society, U.S., United States, victims, Virginia, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia State Police
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
