Commercial Drivers and Identity Theft

For commercial truck drivers, identity theft can have significant implications for their Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), which is crucial for their careers. Here’s how identity theft specifically impacts truck drivers and their MVRs:

1. MVR Overview
   • The MVR is a record of a driver’s driving history, including traffic violations, accidents, and any suspensions or revocations of their driving privileges. It is often checked by employers and insurance companies.
2. Impact of Identity Theft on MVR
   • False Violations: If a thief obtains a truck driver’s personal information, they could potentially impersonate the driver and commit traffic violations or even serious offenses (like DUI). These violations could then appear on the original driver’s MVR, affecting their driving record.
   • Accidents: Identity thieves could also cause accidents under the driver’s name, leading to further negative entries on the MVR.
   • Increased Insurance Rates: A tarnished MVR due to fraudulent activities can result in higher insurance premiums for the truck driver, impacting their financial stability.
3. Legal and Employment Consequences
   • Employment Opportunities: Many trucking companies conduct background checks that include MVR reviews. A compromised record with false violations could jeopardize a driver’s employment opportunities or lead to termination.
   • Legal Issues: If a driver is unaware that their identity has been stolen, they might face legal troubles when the actual perpetrator’s actions are traced back to them, potentially requiring legal intervention to clear their name.
4. Preventive Measures for Truck Drivers
   To protect themselves, truck drivers should consider the following strategies:
   • Secure Personal Information: Keep personal documents secure and limit sharing sensitive information. Use strong passwords for accounts.
   • Regularly Check MVR: Truck drivers should periodically obtain copies of their MVRs to monitor for any discrepancies or unauthorized entries.
   • Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider subscribing to services that offer monitoring and alerts for suspicious activities associated with their personal information.
   • Report Identity Theft Promptly: If they suspect identity theft, they should report it immediately to the authorities and their employer, and take steps to correct their MVR.
5. Recovery Steps if Victimized
   If a truck driver discovers their identity has been stolen and it has affected their MVR, they should:
   1. File a Police Report: Document the identity theft with local law enforcement.
   2. Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Inform the DMV of the situation, providing them with the necessary documentation.
   3. Correct the MVR: Work with the DMV to correct any inaccuracies on the MVR and ensure that false violations or accidents are removed.
   4. Monitor Financial Accounts: Keep an eye on financial accounts to detect any further unauthorized activity.

By being vigilant and proactive, commercial truck drivers can help safeguard their identities and maintain the integrity of their MVRs.

U.S. Legal Services’ suite of legal and identify theft products will perform all of these functions on behalf of our member and their family. Whether they are enrolled in our Family Defender, CDL Defender, CDL Defender Co-Pay and/or Identity Defender, our members will be provided an attorney and fraud resolution specialist.

To enroll, please contact your employer, visit https://www.uslegalservices.net or call 800-356-LAWS.