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Wisconsin DMV recognized for stopping fraud scam

Posted at 9:07 AM, Nov 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-16 10:07:42-05

MADISON — The Wisconsin DMV has received an award after they discovered a fraud scam that led to investigations in other states, as well as in Wisconsin.

The Compliance, Audit, and Fraud Unit of the Wisconsin DMV discovered a fraud ring in the Madison community, which led to additional investigations.

Because of their work, the unit received a Fraud Prevention and Detection Award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), according to the Wisconsin DMV.

Back in May 2019, Wisconsinites began receiving duplicate drivers' licenses that they had not ordered. The DMV's fraud unit investigated and looked for a pattern.

They discovered that mail was being stolen out of mailboxes in the same area, and found similar instances in Verona, Belleville, Oregon, and Edgerton.

The DMV came to the conclusion that an identity theft ring was present, and they contacted law enforcement. The suspects had gotten information about some residents and used that information to order credit cards and drivers' licenses.

With DMV Fraud Unit’s findings, the Department of Justice took over the case and is working across state lines to uncover identity fraud linked to Wisconsin’s cases, the Wisconsin DMV said.

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