Thousands of Hoosiers Asked to Verify Identity to BMV

by Samuel King (king@wsbt.com)

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Letter from the BMV

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles sent out letters to 206,000 Hoosiers informing them of a problem with their social security number in BMV's new computer system. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

(WSBT) The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles sent out letters to 206,000 Hoosiers, warning them their information in the BMV's new computer system doesn't add up. Those people got the letter because their social security numbers could not be verified for various reasons. That has some people asking why and wondering if they've been targeted.

One Elkhart woman who did not want to be identified told WSBT News she believes Hispanics are being targeted, even if they are U.S. citizens like her.

“I've asked people in my work area and none of them know what I am talking about,” the woman said. “I just feel that we are being targeted. [They said] they have already received this letter and yes, they are Hispanics.”

The state says that isn't true.

"No matter what my ethnic origin or nationality, it had no way of knowing that. It was looking at a purely record match, regardless of the individual,” said Dennis Rosebrough, spokesman for the BMV.

Rosebrough told WSBT News many names on the list are there because of typographical errors.

"Where somebody transposes two numbers in a social security number so there's no match,” Rosebrough said. “If could be someone got married and changed their name with Social Security, but did not change it with the BMV."

In any event, everyone who received a letter must verify their number by the end of January by mail, in person at a license branch or online. If not, they will lose their license. The state says it discovered some possible cases of identity theft during the sweep. Those cases have been referred to law enforcement.

For more information on the BMV's social security verification, click on the link in the Related Content box.

Tuesday, Jan 8 at 1:34 PM Granger wrote ...

I am white am American born and I received a letter. It seems everyone is always out to get criminals, but if youhave nothign to hide, what is the problem. Hispanics have nothing to do with it, it protecting our country from ALL illegal immigrants. I sure would hate to have another 9/11 when it could have been prevented by knowing who is here and who needs to leave!

Thursday, Dec 6 at 7:53 AM Charlie wrote ...

Folks! Go online,check out "North American Union" This might explain it all.Our own goverment doesn't want to stop illeagals. If you want to complain,call your senator or congressman. If threatened with loosing thier jobs maybe they will help.

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 4:35 PM Elkhart wrote ...

Ed- What insurance do you have because in our real world I was hit by a non license driver and my truck did get fixed and a month later my rates went up :(

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 4:13 PM Agatha! wrote ...

This is just the tip of the iceburg. Let me tell you!!. There are alot of illegals with genuine drivers liscenses and ssn numbers.It was so easy getting them before 9/11 but things have changed for the better.

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 4:04 PM Wow wrote ...

Alot Of Them Stay Next Door To Me They Leave Early In The Morning Then About 20 Come Back At Night There Nice People They Dont Bother Me

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 3:00 PM Indyfuzz wrote ...

I agree it is about time the State begins to look at the problems with the BMV system. To many people have obtained identification with improper or others social security numbers. Those who are worried are the criminals (illegals)!!

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 10:41 AM CP wrote ...

To the ones here illegally - do it right, do it legally and you won't have anything to worry about or think that someone is "targeting" you. I'm sick of that statement. You get everything for nothing now!

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 10:18 AM Karen wrote ...

I too have recieved the letter from the BMV,I am white,American born and bred. If this helps with the illegal immigrant problem,identity theft,I say KUDOS to the state for finally realizing that there IS a problem!!

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 9:05 AM Elkhart wrote ...

cont.. I don't even try to understand you Americans you would rather pay for illegals to be deported(very costly) and then 9 times out of 10 they are back in the states in 2-3 days after being deported. NO WALl,FENCE,ARMY,ETC is going to all US OUT!!

Wednesday, Dec 5 at 9:01 AM Elkhart wrote ...

For those of you that want all illegals deported just keep in mind the vegetables, fruits,you eat will go up most of Americans always complain about prices in food and now you want to get rid of your picking source so you can eat healthy :)

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 10:59 PM Ed wrote ...

Cont. coverage. Nice try but I agree with Steve they need to be caught and deported if illegal not rewarded with the PRIVILEGE of driving legally when they themselves aren't.

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 10:56 PM Ed wrote ...

Elkhart your reasons don't hold water. If you have insurance (required) in Indiana it must by law include uninsured motorist coverage; so you will get your damages paid for. Also they are not allowed to raise your rate for a claim under that cont.

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 10:37 PM nb wrote ...

If your records are in order and your identity is true, it shouldn't matter if the State is targeting any group. Only folks that need to worry are those who aren't legitimate - and tough if those folks don't like it.

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 6:15 PM Char wrote ...

I'm glad the state is stepping up. For those of you that feel they are targeting Hispanics, your wrong! My son and I both received that letter, and we are both American Born & White

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 5:38 PM steve wrote ...

its about time the state tracks down illeagles mexicans.find them and deport them

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 4:50 PM Elkhart wrote ...

cont... People who get hit by a non license person never gets paid for damages if you were to be in a accident and insurance rates go up So come on people lets all push for them to obtain a license because it is better for all of us

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 4:47 PM Miss Elkhart wrote ...

The state will never admit if they are targetting the latino community but to all those people that think that just cause the illegals get a license that's a step to citezenship your wrong that just better for cont...

Tuesday, Dec 4 at 4:42 PM Daniel wrote ...

Very nice! The person that used my SS# did not get caught. Maybe this will bring some justice to other victim to ID theft.

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