Colorado DMV warns of rise in fake IDs in registering cars

STATEWIDE, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado DMV's Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit (MVIU) is warning residents of a rise in people using fake identification.

The DMV says more people are using "gray market" papers to title or register a car. The MVIU says it has seen an increase in fraudulent Colorado IDs, driver's licenses and proof-of-address documents.

Officials say the use of these documents can end up in a loss of resale value on the car, insurance claim denials and potential impoundment of the car. Officials warn that the use of these papers can also result in felony forgery charges and permanent criminal records.

The warning comes as part of the state DMV's Summer Safety campaign. The DMV says scams where people send texts claiming scams, including reports of unpaid tickets or license suspensions are also becoming more common.

The DMV says its MVIU investigators are specifically trained in forensic documentation authentication.

More information on how drivers can protect themselves from motor vehicle and driver scams and fraud is available on the state DMV's website.