Cracking down on an illegal alien scam in Hillsborough
Thursday, December 20, 2007

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it busted a scheme that allowed illegal aliens to get cars, license plates and car titles.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says it's cracking down on the problem of illegal aliens getting cars, license plates and car titles that appear legitimate.


Here's how the scam works: An illegal immigrant will bring a fake driver's license into a car dealership and purchase a car, even though the dealership knows the license is fake.

The sales people then help the illegal immigrant get a title and license plate.

The information from the fake license would go on the cars' registration, thus giving the appearance of legitimacy.

Deputies said they busted five Hillsborough County businesses that took part in the scheme.

Deputies also said some of these companies also sold fake insurance to illegal immigrants.

About a dozen car dealership employees have have arrested. Hillsborough County sheriff David Gee said he's going to try to get laws changed to close loopholes that allow the scheme to happen.

"The problem in this entire situation is that there is no way currently for tax collectors to verify whether the person has a legitimate driver's license," Gee said. "There is no way for them to verify whether the person has a legitimate form of insurance."

The sheriff's office plans to make about a dozen more arrests.

Some of those arrested are facing federal conspiracy charges and are facing up to five years in prison.

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