The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles is sounding an alarm over a growing wave of document fraud targeting the state's vehicle registration and titling system. The DMV's Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit (MVIU) is alerting the public to a rise in the use of counterfeit identification and the use of "gray market" papers to title or register vehicles.

The MVIU says it has seen an increase in fraudulent Colorado IDs, driver's licenses, and proof-of-address documents. The DMV notes that its MVIU investigators are specifically trained in forensic documentation authentication.

Residents who use or unknowingly receive such documents face serious practical and legal consequences. Officials say the use of these documents can result in a loss of resale value on the car, insurance claim denials, and potential impoundment of the car. Officials further warn that the use of these papers can also result in felony forgery charges and permanent criminal records.

The document fraud alert is not the only scam the DMV flagged. The DMV says scams where people send texts claiming reports of unpaid tickets or license suspensions are also becoming more common. The warning comes as part of the state DMV's Summer Safety campaign.

More information on how drivers can protect themselves from motor vehicle and driver scams and fraud is available on the state DMV's website. Colorado Springs residents with concerns about vehicle documents or suspected fraud should monitor the DMV's ongoing Summer Safety campaign releases for additional guidance.