A Northwest Ohio dealer reported a sophisticated identity theft scheme that has affected multiple dealers in Ohio. For this particular dealer, the fraudster purported to be Austin Hoover of Bucyrus, Ohio. However, the reporting dealer stated that this individual has used multiple identities to perpetrate these crimes on at least five other dealerships in Ohio. Additionally, the fraudster has attempted to, or has successfully, purchased both new and used vehicles from dealerships across the state.

The fraudster begins by inquiring about a particular vehicle online through the dealership’s websites. He completes a credit application online that raises no red flags and can successfully answer any out-of-wallet questions. He then arranges to come to the dealership in person to complete the transaction. He presents what appears to be a facially valid government ID, there appear to be no other red flags, and the fraudster can complete the transaction without any issue.

According to the reporting dealer, this fraudster steals personal information and obtains a credit report for the victim, which is how he can answer all the out-of-wallet questions. He is also able to produce a government-issued identification that matches the victim’s identity with his photo. Except for a few small inconsistencies, the license appears to be valid.

Dealers should carefully review the IDs presented before continuing with transactions. Some common inconsistencies with fake IDs include:

• The state officials are not consistent with the date the license was issued. For example, an Ohio ID that was issued in 2023 should have Mike DeWine listed as the Governor and Charles L. Norman as the Registrar of the BMV. 
• Ohio IDs have a tactile printing of the customer’s date of birth that runs alongside the primary photo and you should be able to feel the indentations
• Review the formatting to ensure it is similar to genuine identification. For example, does the ID number contain all numbers or a combination of letters and numbers? Is there a hyphen or dash that separates dates? Is the font the same? Is the photo black and white or color? Is there any missing or incorrect information?

Generally, dealers should compare the license with a known genuine ID to compare details, formatting, fonts, and other characteristics of the card itself. Dealers can also use common resources like the I.D. Checking Guide if you do not have an example of a genuine ID readily available.

Unfortunately, identity theft and fraud continue to be a regular issue and dealers need to be cognizant of suspicious behaviors and practices that may indicate a fraudulent transaction, such as a customer desire to rush through the purchase process, agreeing to purchase any and all ancillary products, or other suspicious behaviors.

For additional questions or concerns regarding potential identity theft, please contact your local law enforcement agency. You can also reach out or share any issues with OADA by reaching out to your OADA legal counsel, Sara Bruce or Matt Chacey. Sara can be reached at (614) 923-2243 or sbruce@oada.com. Matt can be reached at (614) 923-2232 or mchacey@oada.com.