Van Hollen Sues Company For Selling Fake Licenses

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced today that the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed an enforcement action against Credenciales USA, LLC and its owner, Hugo I. Loyo for the marketing and sale of fake international driver's licenses and state identification cards in Milwaukee County.

According to the complaint, Credenciales USA, LLC marketed and sold purported “International Driver's Licenses” and Wisconsin “identification cards” to Milwaukee-area consumers on Spanish language radio stations and news magazines. The company marketed the cards as valid forms of identification – which they are not. In addition, neither Credenciales USA, LLC nor Loyo are authorized by the government to make or sell official identification cards.

“This company engaged in false and misleading practices in Wisconsin,” Van Hollen said. “The Wisconsin Department of Justice joins the Federal Trade Commission in warning consumers to be wary of the sale of fraudulent identification cards. Drivers risk losing money and can even face criminal liability if attempting to present fraudulent identification cards as valid driver's licenses.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to legally issue and sell International Drivers' Licenses or Permits (“IDPs”) to U.S. residents - the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.

A copy of an FTC Consumer Alert regarding the sale of International Driver's Licenses is available at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt108.shtm

The State seeks to have Credenciales USA, LLC and Loyo enjoined from further violations. It also seeks restitution, forfeitures and fines. The case was brought on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Nelle R. Rohlich.