Stolen Identity Used to Buy SUV in Rhode Island — Woman Caught

Case Summary:

How the Fraudster Operated:
A Rhode Island woman stole another person's identity to secure financing for a new SUV. She used fraudulent documents, including a fake driver’s license and Social Security card, to complete the transaction at the dealership. The dealership approved the financing, and the woman drove off in the vehicle.

What Red Flags Were Missed:

• The fake driver’s license passed initial dealership review.

• No real-time identity verification was used.

• The dealership did not detect that the Social Security number did not match the applicant’s true identity.

Who Paid the Price:

• The innocent identity theft victim, whose credit and personal information were compromised.

• The dealership and the lender, who face financial loss and possible legal complications once the fraud is discovered.

What Could Have Stopped It:
Had the dealership used a system like VeriQual™, the fraudster’s identity would have been flagged before any financing could be approved. VeriQual cross-references phone number ownership, verifies identity in real-time, and ensures the person applying is who they say they are—before a credit pull is even made.