ADOT Beefs Up Online Security, Enlists New Fraud Task Force

PHOENIX – ADOT is cracking down on identity theft and driver’s license fraud conducted via its ServiceArizona website, and cracking down on those involved in such activities. ADOT reported that their stricter security measures include enhanced online authentication requirements and “aggressive” enforcement, including a new fraud task force, to hold accountable those who commit fraud on its website.

One way ADOT has beefed up its online security on the ServiceArizona website was the removal of a user’s capability to order a duplicate driver’s license online, then to have the license sent to an address not on file. ADOT deleted the capability after staff found out it was being exploited by identity thieves.

Another change is that ServiceArizona users will have to give their entire driver’s license number when conducting any transaction on the website, adding an additional identity authentication layer. Individuals who cannot locate their license number will have to go to an MVD office or contact an MVD call center and complete a process of enhanced security verification.

ADOT will also be enlisting the help of a newly formed Online Fraud Task Force comprising law enforcement and cyber security pros, from which ADOT will draw expertise as they “continue aggressively investigating and holding accountable anyone who engages in fraudulent activity,” according to an ADOT news release. ADOT has already participated in or led four large fraud investigations of this type, enacting 10 criminal arrests in crimes against 164 known victims.

John Halikowski, ADOT director, wrote, “The state takes this issue very seriously, and we will have zero tolerance for those who seek to steal the identity of Arizona citizens. These measures will not only provide an added layer of security, but will also allow us to better partner with law enforcement to go after bad actors.”

Later in 2019, ADOT will launch a new website that will include even more verification layers in the effort to prevent fraud, Halikowski added.

In the meantime, officials at ADOT recommend that Arizonans who think they might be victims of fraudulent activity or identity theft conducted on the ServiceArizona website report their suspicions to local police. Fraud victims can also contact ADOT’s fraud hotline at 602-277-5684 or send an email report to fraud@azdot.gov and mention any filed police reports. ADOT will provide new driver’s license numbers to actual and suspected ServiceArizona identity theft victims.