Facial Recognition Used at DMV to Prevent Identity Theft
More and more states around the US have began using facial recognition systems to prevent identity thieves from apply for more than one driver’s licenses. A drivers license in the identity theft victims name is paramount to identity thieves to getting as much money from them as possible. If they can’t identify themselves as that person they run the risk of exposing themselves. When the government can’t tell the difference between the thief and victim that’s when identity thieves really have a hold on you. Preventing thieves from obtaining a fraudulent drivers license is essential to stopping identity theft.
The facial recognition system works by comparing applicants features in the photo taken at the DMV to ones already in the Department of Licensing database system. The system uses features like the distance between your eyes among other things to identify possible matches. If an identity theft tries to obtain a drivers license in someone else’s name their duplicate recorded should surface.
The system isn’t perfect and because it’s not an exact science isn’t fool proof, but it is catching people. The new system in Washington State catches 10 duplicates every day. That’s not bad especially for a new system. The system also slows down the process of applying for a drivers license. Some states issue a temporary license, while others simply make you wait until the license has been processed.
It’s a good thing to see state and local governments doing their part to prevent identity theft. I feel this is a good step in the right direction as more and more states are implementing these facial recognition systems as they are proving to be useful and successful.
