Motor Vehicle Theft Leads to Identity Theft

In the United States, a motor vehicle is stolen every 27 seconds leaving victims feeling as if they are living a bad dream filled with police reports, insurance claims, transportation loss, and general helplessness. The disturbing realization that a stranger has gained access to personal information can make a bad dream…a nightmare. There is great risk in storing personal information inside a vehicle. Insurance cards, registration cards and other sensitive documents containing private information can fall into the wrong hands all too easily – and lead to ID theft.

 

Every year, more than 1.2 million motor vehicle thefts occur in the U.S., according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Not only do victims suffer vehicle loss, they are also in great danger of becoming one of the 9 million Americans who have their identity stolen each year. Follow these prevention tips to significantly reduce the risk of your vehicle and identity falling into the wrong hands.

• Park your vehicle in the garage versus a driveway or on the street, when possible.
• Keep your windows up and doors locked even when the car is parked in front of your house.
• Always set the alarm in your vehicle, no matter how quickly you plan to return.
• Never leave keys in the ignition or resting on the vehicle seat.
• Do not leave the garage door opener in the vehicle.
• Keep your insurance card and vehicle registration in your wallet or purse, not in the glove   compartment.
• Avoid parking in isolated and poorly lit areas.
• Attach the license plate to your vehicle with hex-head or star-head screws.
• Install a vehicle-tracking device in your vehicle.
• Use theft-prevention devices, such as a steering wheel lock mechanism or auto-lock for your brake pedals.
• Do not hang vehicle keys on a hook in your garage or right inside a door in your home.