Arizona MVD ‘safe selfie’ stations warn new drivers about ID theft
Feb 12, 2019, 1:25 PM
PHOENIX – So you just became a legal driver for the first time and want to share the good news with the world.
The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Department encourages new drivers to tout their achievement on social media, but the agency doesn’t want ID thieves to ruin the moment.
That’s why the MVD introduced “safe selfie” areas at some offices around the state, with photo backdrops that include a reminder to protect identifying information such as name, address and license or permit numbers. The posters also bear the image of a hand covering details on a license.
“We’ve installed these large banners at our largest offices … so that people will see them almost immediately if they’re getting a new credential and if they want to have a photo taken in front of that to show off to friends and family, they’re right there,” MVD spokesman Doug Nick told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.
Make sure you're protecting your personal information when you pose with your new driver license! New Safe Selfie area at many MVD offices is a reminder to protect your personal information from identity thieves.
More: https://t.co/gKgLxxlehF #SafeSelfie pic.twitter.com/BEguuOMvoz
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) February 12, 2019
Nick said getting a permit or license is “a very proud moment” that customers understandably have been trumpeting online with photos taken outside offices.
“Unfortunately sometimes if you’re doing that, somebody who is really good at ID theft, if it’s on social media, could take a look and see all sorts of personal information that’s on that credential,” Nick said.
Nick said the new initiative is a light way to spread an important message.
“We’re taking a fun moment, hopefully making it more fun by encouraging people to do this safely at these safe selfie stations,” he said.
“But even if you’re in an office that doesn’t have one, or just as a matter of habit, you should always be very careful about what you show on social media when it comes to your personal ID information.”
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Madison Spence contributed to this report.