Commercial Drivers License Holders Warned Of Heightened Risk Of Identity Theft

HONOLULU — The state Department of Transportation (DOT) is strongly encouraging approximately 1,892 individuals who hold a commercial drivers license (CDL) to take preventative measures to guard themselves against potential identify theft.  At a minimum, individuals are advised to obtain free credit reports and to monitor their social security statements and personal accounts for unusual activity.

The warning follows a March 18, 2009 incident, in which a laptop from the DOT’s Motor Vehicle Safety Office was reported missing from the 5^th floor of the Kakuhihewa Building located at 601 Kamokila Boulevard in Kapolei.  The laptop included the names, personal information, and social security numbers of about 1,892 commercial vehicle drivers license holders.  At this time, we have no indication that the confidential information has been used for illegal purposes.

However, a personal letter was sent out yesterday to each of the affected individuals to notify them about this security breach (please see attached) and advising them of steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of identity theft.  The DOT has also sent out a written report to the Legislature in accordance with state law.

“We have been working closely with the Honolulu Police Department and Attorney General’s office to ensure all protective measures are being taken. We have also launched an internal investigation and are changing the process in which sensitive information is stored on laptops, to prevent an incident like this happening again,” said Brennon Morioka, director of the state DOT.  “We very much regret the very serious impact the missing information could have on so many individuals.”

Identity theft is a serious crime and a growing national problem.  Records containing social security numbers and other personal information can be used by thieves to obtain credit cards, to open fraudulent bank accounts, to mortgage real property, and to purchase automobiles.

If debts incurred in those transactions are not paid, the credit of those whose identity has been stolen could be impaired.  In some cases, it might take years for individuals to clear their records and restore their credit.  That is why we strongly advise individuals to take protective measures, such as obtaining free copies of your credit report and closely monitoring personal accounts.

Information about this incident as well as information on how you can protect yourself and members of your family may be accessed at the Department of Transportation’s  website at www.hawaii.gov/dot as well as at the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs website at www.hawaii.gov/dcca.

For more information, the public may also call the Motor Vehicle Safety Office at (808) 692-7661 or the DCCA Consumer Resource Center at (808) 587-3222.